Experts urge stronger collaboration to protect personal data as Nigeria embraces emerging tech.
At the National Data Privacy Summit in Abuja, stakeholders from government, regulators, and the private sector highlighted that trust, ethics, and collaboration are central to safeguarding personal data amid Nigeria’s digital transformation. The summit marked Global Data Privacy Day 2026 and the NDPC anniversary, running Jan. 28–Feb. 4 to raise awareness on data protection.
Dr. Aminu Maida of the NCC said the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) has transformed the data privacy ecosystem, supporting national development and citizen empowerment. He noted that emerging technologies—AI, big data, IoT, 5G, and cloud computing—present opportunities and risks, making privacy essential for sustainable progress. NCC and NDPC have signed an MoU to enhance collaboration and regulatory alignment in the telecoms sector.
Representing the Civil Service, Mrs Esther Walson-Jack emphasized that data protection is no longer optional, calling it a cornerstone of trust, ethical governance, and innovation. NITDA’s Oladejo Olawunmi stressed that achieving digital sovereignty depends on owning and protecting national data.
From the private sector, Optasia’s Uchenna Agbo said data underpins communications, e-commerce, and government services, with ethical use critical for long-term confidence. DBI’s David Daser added that trust is the currency of the digital ecosystem, and protecting personal data is as much an ethical responsibility as a regulatory requirement.
The summit concluded with calls for stronger partnerships between regulators, industry, and training institutions to build a secure, responsible, and innovative digital future for Nigeria.
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