NDPC Champions Data Privacy for Digital Economy Growth

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reiterated the importance of data privacy and responsible data governance in strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and building trust among technology users.

The Commission made this known during the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Conference in Jos, Plateau State, where it organised a panel session titled, “Building Trust in the Digital Economy: Data Privacy as an Enabler of Inclusive Growth and Innovation.”

In a statement posted on its X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, NDPC said the session examined the role of data privacy in promoting digital innovation, inclusive economic growth, artificial intelligence adoption and investment confidence.

Representing the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Technical Assistant, Engineer Tolulope Ibitoye, spoke on issues including cross-border data flows, responsible AI governance and the need for regulations that protect personal data while supporting technological advancement.

Ibitoye said effective data protection practices are essential to creating a digital environment where individuals, businesses and institutions can confidently participate in the digital economy.

The panel session, moderated by the Chief Executive Officer of Management Edge Limited, Ayodeji Abitogun, featured discussions from industry experts, including Andrew Agbo Abu, Chairman of the Abuja Chapter of NCS; Naangwam Dariem, Head of Compliance/Partnerships at Hexagon DataProtect; and Esebom Ekperipe, Data Protection Officer at Central Soft Support System (CS3).

NDPC said the discussion highlighted the need for collaboration among regulators, technology professionals and businesses to promote compliance and responsible use of data in Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem.

The Commission also hosted an exhibition booth at the conference, where it showcased its regulatory mandate, initiatives and achievements while engaging stakeholders on the importance of data protection compliance.

NDPC added that strengthening data privacy remains central to building digital trust, supporting innovation and ensuring that Nigeria’s digital transformation delivers inclusive growth.