The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has called for stronger data protection, innovation and multi-stakeholder collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s digital economy and drive inclusive growth.
Dr Olatunji made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) Conference 2026 in Jos, Plateau State. The conference was declared open by the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang.
Speaking on the theme, “Harnessing Digital Innovation and Emerging Technologies for Inclusive Growth and Economic Renaissance,” the NDPC boss commended the Nigeria Computer Society for its sustained commitment to advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.
He described digital innovation as a major catalyst for economic growth, job creation, increased productivity and enhanced global competitiveness, stressing that emerging technologies are transforming industries and creating new opportunities for nations that embrace them.
According to him, leading organisations across the world are already leveraging emerging technologies to improve efficiency, scale operations and create economic value, while data remains the critical infrastructure powering these innovations.
Dr Olatunji, however, noted that several challenges must be addressed to maximise the benefits of emerging technologies, emphasising that data protection and privacy should remain at the heart of Nigeria’s digital transformation agenda.
He highlighted the role of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, in providing the legal framework for safeguarding personal data and explained the obligations of innovators, technology developers and users of emerging technologies under the law.
The NDPC chief also outlined Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to create an enabling environment for digital innovation, noting that developmental regulation is essential to achieving a sustainable economic renaissance.
He stressed that building a resilient digital future requires collective action by government institutions, academia, the private sector, professional bodies such as the Nigeria Computer Society, and citizens.
“Our shared commitment to responsible innovation, data protection and collaboration will determine how successfully Nigeria harnesses emerging technologies for inclusive growth and national development,” he said.
The conference attracted key stakeholders from government, academia and the technology ecosystem.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Jos, Professor Ishaya Tanko; the President of the Nigeria Computer Society, Professor Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu; and the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Plateau State Information and Communications Technology Development Agency (PICTDA), Engineer Datong Dominic Gwaman, among others.
The annual NCS Conference serve as a platform for policymakers, technology experts, academics and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for accelerating Nigeria’s digital transformation and strengthening the country’s position in the global digital economy.
