Data Privacy Ecosystem Key to Nigeria’s Trillion-Dollar Economy – NDPC

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has stated that the data privacy ecosystem has the potential to propel Nigeria into a trillion-dollar economy.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, made this assertion during a news conference marking,2025 Data Privacy Day celebrated on January 28 in Abuja.

The events also included the launch of the NDPC International Journal of Data Privacy and Protection and the release of the commission’s 2024 annual report.

Originating in Europe in 2008, Global Privacy Day emphasises the importance of privacy and data protection.

Dr. Olatunji explained that through the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP), local technology adoption, and global collaborations, indigenous data privacy initiatives could contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.

“We can’t keep relying on foreign technologies; we must encourage our local content,” he stated. “At the NDPC, our platforms, services, portals, and websites are locally developed and robust enough for us to use.”

He emphasised that the growth of a trillion-dollar economy could be driven by digital technologies.

“The private ecosystem alone can provide numerous services, from audit files to registration of data controllers and reporting breaches,” he said, highlighting the ongoing efforts to create awareness.

Dr. Olatunji also urged startups to embrace the data privacy ecosystem, noting its immense growth potential.

On Global Privacy Day, he stressed the universal nature of data privacy principles, while also advocating for their adaptation to local laws.

“Data protection and security principles are the same worldwide, and the knowledge you acquire here can take you anywhere,” he affirmed.

Also Read: 2025 Data Privacy Day: NDPC Calls for Collaboration on Awareness

Dr. Olatunji further discussed the significant potential within Nigeria’s data ecosystem, emphasising that the development of human capital is critical to advancing the country’s digital economy. He highlighted the NDPC’s focus on building capacity and promoting the development of indigenous digital technologies to reduce reliance on foreign solutions.

He reiterated the NDPC’s commitment to fostering innovation, and collaboration, and strengthening data privacy awareness, compliance, and enforcement. Dr. Olatunji pointed out that Nigeria’s admission to the Global Privacy Assembly (GPA) and the hosting rights for the 2025 Network of African Data Protection Authorities conference signifies the country’s progress in data protection.

He also stressed that a strong data protection framework is crucial for attracting multinational investments, ensuring global standard compliance, and protecting data subjects’ rights.

The commissioner added that the NDPC had signed a Memoranda of Understanding with data protection authorities in Canada and the United Arab Emirates to facilitate cross-border knowledge sharing.

“Our laws apply even when Nigerian data is processed outside the country, and collaborating with foreign agencies allows for effective knowledge exchange,” he explained.

Dr. Olatunji further shared that the NDPC had trained 55,529 individuals on data privacy and conducted 5,351 capacity-building programmes over recent years.