The Federal Government has officially launched the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy, a new digital training platform aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy practices throughout the country’s public and private sectors.
The initiative was introduced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, during the opening of the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), which began in Abuja on Tuesday.
In his remarks, Dr Tijani described the academy as a strategic component of Nigeria’s overarching plan to fully leverage the digital economy. He stated that it would equip individuals and institutions with the necessary knowledge and tools to adapt to the rapidly evolving data governance landscape.
“As we digitise government services, open up digital trade corridors, and scale digital identity platforms, data becomes the backbone and data protection, the shield,” Tijani said.
He further explained that the academy will offer virtual access to hands-on training in data protection principles and cyber identity. These foundational skills, he noted, are vital for establishing public confidence in digital platforms and services.
Dr Tijani also announced the establishment of a Digital Trade Desk, designed as a centralised platform to support Nigerian tech-driven enterprises in entering global markets and expanding digital exports.
Representing Vice President Kashim Shettima at the event, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to the full implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. He characterised data as more than a digital commodity, stating, “a human story told in numbers” and a key instrument in building economic trust.
“As Africa expands its digital exchanges, the ability to share data securely and lawfully will determine how well we thrive in the global economy,” he noted.
He also urged African nations to utilise NADPA as a forum for creating a continent-wide consensus on data governance—one that defends individual rights while reinforcing collective values.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s progress, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), detailed the country’s achievements in regulating data protection. According to him, the Commission has completed over 5,000 compliance assessments, launched 223 investigations, and overseen the remediation of 12 organisations.
He disclosed that the NDPC has generated more than $1.2 million in revenue through registration, audit filings, and compliance-related fees over the past two years.
“We’ve signed MOUs with data protection authorities across Africa and are creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding citizens,” he said.
Dr Olatunji also urged countries across Africa that have yet to adopt data protection laws to act swiftly, arguing that robust legal frameworks support, rather than hinder, innovation in the digital era.
The NADPA conference, which runs for three days under the theme “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies”, has gathered delegates from over 30 African nations alongside participants from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the United States.
Among the attendees was Ms Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, who reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting Africa’s data protection initiatives.
Also present was NADPA Chairperson Mr Iro Adamou, represented by Vice President Mrs Immaculate Kassiat, who emphasised the urgent need for a collective approach to safeguarding personal data as Africa rapidly embraces digital transformation.