The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on traditional rulers across the country to partner with it in enforcing and creating awareness on data protection laws.
The National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, made the call on Monday at the Lagos National 2025 Executive Committee meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN).
Olatunji said data privacy was a fundamental human right that required mass awareness, including at the grassroots level.
He explained that data protection was more than just a legal obligation, describing it as the foundation of trust in Nigeria’s digital society and a safeguard for the nation’s traditional values.
“By driving compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, we strengthen trust, attract investment, and fuel economic growth.
This partnership ensures that these benefits reach every community, securing an inclusive digital future for all Nigerians,” he said.
The NDPC boss stressed that securing citizens’ sensitive information was crucial for attracting foreign investment and combating cybercrime.
He said one of the Commission’s key goals was to tackle the global challenge of data privacy, warning that careless handling of personal data — such as names, phone numbers, bank accounts, and addresses — exposed Nigerians to fraud and identity theft.
Olatunji also highlighted sensitive data categories, including religious beliefs, political opinions, health records, and sexual orientation, stressing that such information must be protected under the law.
He cited instances of data misuse and identity theft that had led to victims losing money, having accounts frozen, and, in extreme cases, suffering fatal consequences.
Describing fraudulent data use as “a criminal act,” Olatunji recalled that Nigeria’s data protection journey began with the 2019 Data Protection Regulation, which filled a critical gap in safeguarding citizens’ information.
According to him, data protection is also an economic necessity, as global competitiveness requires Nigerian businesses to demonstrate a strong commitment to data security to earn international trust.
Olatunji added that the NDPC’s work had spurred job creation, with a steady rise in the number of certified data protection officers and organizations across Nigeria.
However, he noted a gap in compliance between the private and public sectors.
“The private sector shows improved adherence, but there is still a low level of compliance in the public sector.
Government departments and agencies must handle and protect information with the same diligence as private firms,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to nationwide awareness campaigns and collaboration with international partners including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and several African countries to strengthen Nigeria’s data security framework.
In his response, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the NCTRN, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, commended the NDPC’s efforts and urged it to intensify grassroots awareness.
The Sultan suggested setting up committees to visit states and sensitize citizens on the importance of data protection. He also advised Nigerians to be cautious about the personal information they share through their phones and digital platforms.
Similarly, the Co-Chair of the NCTRN, the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, encouraged the NDPC to sustain its community engagement efforts.
He noted that the sensitization programmes had already influenced his personal approach to data handling and awareness.
It was reported that the theme of the Lagos National 2025 Executive Committee Meeting of the NCTRN was “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion.”
