The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has declared Nigeria a “major player” in the global digital economy, revealing that the nation’s data privacy sector is now valued at over ₦16.2 billion.
Speaking at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja, Dr. Olatunji highlighted the transformative impact of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023.
He noted that the legislation has empowered the NDPC to operate as an independent body, fostering a secure environment that has created more than 23,000 jobs for certified professionals.
Addressing stakeholders on the summit’s theme, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies,” the Commissioner emphasised the need to safeguard citizens’ rights while encouraging rapid technological adoption.
“Our starting point is growing at an alarming rate… as we are innovating, we have to consider issues around privacy and protection. We are not afraid to take risks, but we must provide clarity.”
The summit’s broader theme, “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation,” reflects the Commission’s current regulatory focus on AI, blockchain, and 5G.
Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed that the NDPC aims to ensure technology serves human dignity while fostering an environment where innovation can thrive without exploitation.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Aminu Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), Sunday Abraham Oshadami, emphasized the urgency of safeguarding personal information amid rapid technological expansion.
“For all these technologies, emerging technologies hold immense promise for Nigeria’s digital economy, but they also introduce complex risks to personal data and individual rights. So balancing innovation with robust ethical safeguards and public trust is essential to ensuring that technological advancement benefits all Nigerians without compromising their privacy or their security.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a digital landscape where personal data protection serves as the foundation for technological advancement.
Represented by Mr. Adetunji Adeyemo, he emphasised that the Nigerian government views privacy not as a “bottleneck,” but as the essential “currency” required to fuel the nation’s rapidly expanding $1 trillion digital economy.
He further highlighted that as Nigeria integrates Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain, the success of these technologies depends on citizen trust.
“Privacy is not an obstacle to innovation, but rather its foundation. When citizens trust their data is protected, they engage more confidently with digital services, driving greater inclusion and growth.”
The Permanent Secretary praised the Nigeria Data Protection Commission for its leadership and called for a multi stakeholder approach involving the private sector, academia, and international partners to harmonize data protection efforts across Africa.
He concluded by challenging stakeholders to position Nigeria as the continent’s model for responsible digital transformation, where technology empowers citizens without exploiting personal information.
The summit, which commemorated the fourth anniversary of the Commission’s establishment, also featured…