National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening data privacy practices across Nigeria’s public and private sectors.
Speaking at a regional capacity-building workshop in Katsina for ICT personnel from the north-western states, Dr Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner and chief executive officer of the NDPC, said the commission is stepping up enforcement of data protection regulations in line with national laws.
Olatunji, represented by Mr Princewill Nnaka, head of the Commission’s Enforcement Unit, noted that the NDPC is focused on raising awareness of data rights, improving staff training, and partnering with development agencies to boost capacity.
He said stronger data protection measures would help reduce incidents of cyberbullying, online financial fraud, and loss of lives due to breaches of privacy.
“Data protection is a global concern,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure Nigeria aligns with international standards in the safeguarding of personal data.”
Also speaking at the event, Naufal Ahmed, director general, Katsina State Directorate of ICT (KATDICT), said the training aimed to equip participants with the technical knowledge required to implement the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
He added that the initiative would also enable participants to serve as Master Trainers and Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in their respective institutions.
The three-day programme drew 40 participants, including four officers each from Kaduna, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, as well as 16 officials from various ministries, departments, and agencies in Katsina State.