2025 Data Privacy Day: NDPC Calls for Collaboration on Awareness

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called for increased collaboration to raise awareness and foster data privacy and protection across Nigeria.

The call was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, during an event marking the 2025 World Data Privacy Day in Lagos.

World Data Privacy Day, observed globally on January 28 every year, serves to highlight the importance of data privacy. The theme for this year’s observance was “Respecting Privacy, Safeguarding Data, and Enabling Trust.”

At the press conference marking the opening of National Privacy Week, which aligns with the Global Privacy Day 2025, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, delivered a welcome address and ecosystem briefing. The event also featured the unveiling of the pic.twitter.com/nd33ITRXEz

— NDPC Nigeria (@ndpcngr) January 28, 2025

Dr. Olatunji, who joined the event virtually, stressed that collective action was required to prioritise data privacy in order to attract foreign direct investment into Nigeria.

In his speech, Olatunji outlined the importance of protecting personal data, emphasising that everyone must understand how to safeguard their personal information.

 “We need to know how to protect our personal information and data and make sure that we do not share personal information anyhow,” he said. He also urged data controllers and processors to ensure the protection of data under their care.

Olatunji further discussed the necessity of developing a robust digital economy in the country, which depends on a comprehensive approach to data management, policies, and strategies. “We all need to work together to make it happen,” he added.

Highlighting the Commission’s progress, Olatunji noted that over 10,000 people had been trained, to create 500,000 jobs in the Nigerian economy through data protection initiatives.

Also Read: Stakeholders Call for Nationwide Expansion of NDPC DPO Training

Mr. Tokunbo Smith, President of the Data Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), also spoke at the event, urging Nigerians to make full use of the Nigeria Data Protection Law, which was passed in June 2023. Smith praised President Bola Tinubu for signing the law into effect, calling it a “day of freedom for Nigerians.” He highlighted the law’s provision that empowers individuals to take legal action against anyone who misuses their personal data.

Smith also commended the NDPC for its efforts in training data protection officers and providing certification exams, encouraging Nigerians to leverage these opportunities to protect their data and explore career paths in data protection.

Guest speaker Mr. Fiyinfolu Okedara further emphasised the need for continuous awareness of data privacy. He explained that data protection should be an ongoing process, not just a one-time event. Okedara urged both organisations and individuals to prioritise data privacy education year-round, rather than only on World Data Privacy Day.

During the panel discussion, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, stressed that respecting data privacy is a shared responsibility. He urged people to safeguard their personal data by not writing it down carelessly and to foster trust by ensuring data protection is prioritised.

Another panelist, Mr. Olumide Babalola, raised awareness about the future implications of data privacy, predicting a time when children might sue their parents for creating digital footprints for them. He stressed that consent should always be obtained before adding someone to a WhatsApp group, as failing to do so would constitute a breach of privacy.

The event aimed to foster greater awareness of data privacy and promote best practices among individuals and organisations, ensuring that data protection remains a priority in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.