The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has received the “Outstanding Data Protection Authority” award underscoring the nation’s growing influence in digital governance and regulatory excellence.
According to a statement on Saturday by NDPC’s Head, Media Unit, Itunu Dosekun
the award ceremony which held in Accra, Ghana, marked the maiden African edition of the PICASSO Awards.
The platform is dedicated to celebrating innovation, leadership, and reforms within the data protection and privacy ecosystem across the continent.
According to the organisers, NDPC was selected for its remarkable strides in strengthening data protection compliance, advancing regulatory standards, and promoting a secure digital environment that fosters trust among citizens and businesses.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Commission, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a collective achievement made possible through strong collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
“This award is a testament to what is possible when government and relevant stakeholders work towards a shared vision,” Dr Olatunji said.
He attributed the Commission’s rapid progress to the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model adopted since the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu.
He added that the PPP framework had enabled the emergence of a resilient data protection ecosystem that continues to grow sustainably. Dr Olatunji also commended President Tinubu for providing a solid legal foundation for protecting the data rights of Nigerians.
He urged Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa to remain firm in enforcing compliance within their jurisdictions, noting that trust remains the backbone of Africa’s developing digital economy.
“The future of Africa’s digital economy depends on trust. We must continue building systems that safeguard the rights of our citizens and strengthen our digital prosperity,” he said.
Dr Olatunji reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to advancing data governance, expanding capacity-building programmes, and fostering a secure digital space for Nigerians and the wider African region.
