Nigeria’s push to strengthen its global standing in data protection and digital governance received a boost as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) held high-level talks with Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations during the ongoing sessions of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, paid a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, where both officials discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration on data protection and responsible digital governance.
During the meeting, Olatunji congratulated Ambassador Ibrahim on his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN and his election as Chair of the United Nations Committee on Budget and Administration, describing the achievements as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence within the multilateral system.
He also highlighted the progress recorded by the NDPC following the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, noting that institutional reforms had positioned Nigeria as a respected player in the global data protection ecosystem.
According to him, Nigeria’s data protection framework has continued to gain international recognition, supporting the country’s drive to promote trusted data governance, accelerate digital transformation, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, and advance sustainable development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olatunji further disclosed that Ambassador Ibrahim commended the commission’s achievements since the enactment of the Data Protection Act and advocated the establishment of a comprehensive national data bank to support evidence-based policymaking, academic research, and national development planning.
He described the proposal as timely and capable of strengthening data-driven governance across sectors.
The NDPC boss also welcomed the Permanent Mission’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing data privacy, strengthening data protection, and promoting responsible digital governance, stressing that such partnerships would help build trust in Nigeria’s digital economy and unlock sustainable development opportunities.
He added that the ongoing UNCITRAL sessions provide an important platform for member states to develop harmonised legal frameworks that will facilitate secure, trusted and inclusive cross-border digital commerce.
According to Olatunji, Nigeria remains committed to contributing actively to global discussions while building a robust data protection ecosystem that aligns with international best practices.
