The Data & Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) has launched the 11th edition of Nigeria’s Data Privacy and Protection Month, highlighting growing concerns over the handling of personal and sensitive information in the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
The month-long campaign coincides with the global World Data Privacy Day on January 28 and aims to boost awareness, compliance, and best practices across government, businesses, and civil society.
Speaking at the launch in Lagos on Tuesday, DKIPPI President Tokunbo Smith emphasised that protecting personal information is no longer optional, describing data privacy as a cornerstone of national security, economic growth, and international trust.
“In an era where data is the most valuable resource of the 21st century, protecting personal information is a shared responsibility of government, businesses, and citizens,” Smith said.
The initiative also stresses adherence to Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, signed into law in June 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while promoting a cultural shift toward privacy practices beyond mere regulatory compliance.
During the campaign, DKIPPI will run extensive media outreach across radio, television, and social media, sharing daily privacy tips. Workshops and training sessions for Data Protection Officers in corporate organisations, NGOs, and government agencies are also planned.
Educational outreach will target secondary and tertiary institutions, including school competitions to engage students, while professional partnerships with bodies such as ISACA will help certify and develop the next generation of data protection specialists. Community engagement programmes will also empower citizens to protect their digital rights.
Smith explained that the campaign seeks to strengthen institutional compliance, attract investment, create jobs, and improve Nigeria’s global reputation in data governance. “Privacy prepares for progress. By protecting personal data, we safeguard citizens while driving innovation, trust, and sustainable development in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” he said.
The 11th edition of Data Privacy Month reinforces DKIPPI’s commitment to building a secure, inclusive, and rights-respectful digital future for Nigerians.
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