Feb. 4, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) and appointment of Dr. Vincent Olatunji, as the Bureau’s pioneer National Commissioner.

In a statement by Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, Spokesperson of the Minister, This followed a request made by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami.

“The successful implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria has significantly increased the adoption of data platforms and accelerated the datafication of our society”.

“This has increased the importance of having an institution that focuses on data protection and privacy”.

The statement further added that the issuance of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in January 2019, as a subsidiary legislation to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007, has increased awareness about the need for data protection and privacy.

“The Bureau will be responsible for consolidating the gains of the NDPR and supporting the process for the development of a primary legislation for data protection and privacy”.

She noted that the NDPB was established in line with global best practice and will focus on data protection and privacy for the country, among others.