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Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has been officially appointed as the Chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee within the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA). The appointment was confirmed during a recent committee session, affirming Nigeria’s leadership role in advancing data protection and privacy across the continent.
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The Anglophone Countries Committee serves as a strategic multilateral platform under NADPA, promoting regional cooperation, harmonization of data protection frameworks, and advocacy for privacy rights in the face of rapid digital transformation across Africa.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Olatunji expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in Nigeria and called on member states to view the task ahead as a shared responsibility in protecting the data rights of Africa’s 1.4 billion citizens.
“This appointment reflects Nigeria’s growing stature in the global data governance ecosystem. As Africa continues to evolve digitally, safeguarding the privacy of our citizens must remain central to our growth. I urge all member countries to work collaboratively to ensure our data protection objectives are achieved,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Pivotal Role in Africa’s Data Privacy Landscape
Dr. Olatunji, a PECB Certified Data Protection Officer and Certified Public-Private Partnership (IP3) Specialist, is a pioneer in Nigeria’s digital policy ecosystem. He was appointed the first National Commissioner of the NDPC following the establishment of the Commission by the Federal Government in 2022. His leadership culminated in the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12, 2023.
This landmark legislation positioned Nigeria as a regional powerhouse in data protection, aligning the country’s frameworks with international standards such as the GDPR, while also enhancing investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Nigeria to Host NADPA 2025 Annual Conference
Reinforcing its continental leadership, Nigeria has also been selected to host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference, scheduled for May 6–8, 2025. Themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies”, the conference will spotlight Nigeria’s major milestones in data governance and digital transformation under President Tinubu’s administration.
The event is expected to bring together African data protection authorities, global privacy experts, technology leaders, and policymakers, to address critical issues at the intersection of privacy, innovation, and regulation in Africa’s tech-driven economy.
“Hosting NADPA 2025 is an opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s progress in building a resilient, rights-based digital ecosystem. We look forward to welcoming global stakeholders to Abuja for robust conversations on privacy, innovation, and Africa’s digital future,” added Dr. Olatunji.
NADPA 2025 validates Nigeria’s rising influence in data protection
Nigeria’s leadership of the Anglophone Committee of NADPA and the upcoming hosting of NADPA 2025 further validate the country’s rising influence in shaping the future of data protection across Africa. With continued investment in privacy infrastructure, legal reforms, and regional partnerships, Nigeria is setting the pace for a secure, innovative, and inclusive digital future.
