By Stellamaris Ashinze/ Aderonke Ojediran
The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Monday called on traditional rulers across the country to partner with it in the enforcement of and creation of awareness on data protection laws.
The National Commissioner, NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, made the call at the Lagos National 2025 executive committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) in Lagos.
Olatunji said that data privacy was a fundamental human right that required mass awareness, even to the rural communities.
The national commissioner noted that data protection was more than just legal requirements, saying that it was the foundation of trust in Nigeria’s digital society and a safeguard for the country’s traditional values.
“By driving compliance to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, we strengthen trust, attract investment and fuel economic growth.
“This partnership ensures that this benefit reach every community securing an inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,’’ he said.
According to him, securing citizens’ sensitive information is crucial for attracting foreign investment and combating cybercrime.
Olatunji said that a key goal of the Commission was to address the global challenge of data privacy.
He decried the potential dangers to every Nigerian or data subject when they leave vital personal information including names, phone numbers, bank accounts, and addresses whenever they used digital platforms or engaged with institutions.
He highlighted the sensitivity of specific data categories such as death reports, religious beliefs, political opinions and sexual orientation, stressing that all of these must be protected under the law.
The national commissioner cited instances of data misuse including identity theft that had resulted in citizens being victims of bank fraud leading to blocked accounts and, in some cases, leading to death.
He described fraudulent misuse of data as, “very much a criminal act” while explaining the origins of the Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation, which was issued in 2019.
Olatunji explained that the regulation was issued following extensive consultations, to fill a critical gap in the protection of Nigerian data subjects.
According to him, data protection is an economic necessity, adding that global competitiveness requires Nigerian businesses to demonstrate a commitment to data security to earn the trust of international partners.
Olatunji said that the NDPC was already creating jobs, as the Commission’s efforts had resulted in significant increase in number of certified data protection organisations in Nigeria.
He, however, noted disparity in compliance between the private and public sectors.
“The private sector shows improved adherence, but there is a lower level of compliance in the public sector.
“Departments and heads of government offices must capture and protect information equivalently to private firms.
“We cannot diminish the importance of mass awareness initiatives, which the NDPC is currently undertaking across the nation in ensuring compliance,” the NDPC boss noted.
Olatunji said that the commission was committed to working with global partners including the U.S., UK, Canada, and other African nations to strengthen Nigeria’s data security framework.
Responding to the national commissioner’s address, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, Chairman of NCTRN, urged the NDPC to do more in creating awareness on data protection to the grassroots.
The Sultan suggested the creation of small committees, who would go round the states to sensitive the populace.
He said that a communique would be issued on the presentation and the decisions reached would be communicated accordingly, while affirming support for the NDPC’s initiative.
The Sultan, however, advised Nigerians to be careful in the way they handled and gave information with their phones.
Also, the Co-Chair of the NTRCN, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, urged the NDPC to continue its community engagement.
Oba Ogunwusi underscored the importance of data protection awareness, saying that he had started practicing things differently due to such sensitisation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the theme of the Lagos National 2025 executive committee meeting of the NCTRN is, “The Traditional Institution: the Imperative of Its Inclusion”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Christiana Fadare
