The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have strengthened calls for greater public awareness of data protection rights, with both agencies exploring closer collaboration on the responsible handling of personal information belonging to Nigerians at home and abroad.
The development followed a courtesy visit by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, to NiDCOM in Abuja on Wednesday, where discussions focused on data privacy awareness, staff capacity building, responsible processing of personal information and stronger institutional cooperation.
Olatunji stressed the growing importance of protecting personal data as more Nigerians increasingly share information online and leave digital footprints that require adequate safeguards.
He particularly highlighted the risks associated with poor handling of personal information in sensitive sectors such as healthcare, noting that improper processing of data could contribute to misdiagnosis, wrong medication and, in extreme cases, loss of life.
According to him, the NDPC was established to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework and safeguard the rights, freedoms and interests of data subjects, while Ministries, Departments and Agencies are required to process personal information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
He said the Commission was also expanding public awareness, capacity building and the development of certified data protection professionals across institutions.
Olatunji offered NDPC’s support to NiDCOM through staff training, public enlightenment and the development of Data Protection Officers, assuring the Commission of the NDPC’s readiness to deepen collaboration.
Responding, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, welcomed the proposed training programme, stressing that data privacy was particularly important to the Commission because of the volume and nature of information generated through its engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa also called for stronger partnerships with Nigerians making contributions to the global technology sector, particularly those in Silicon Valley, through public-private partnerships and greater integration into NiDCOM programmes.
She raised concerns over the ability of individuals to retain control over their personal information in the digital age, particularly where such information could be accessed or taken online without their permission.
The NiDCOM boss therefore called for increased public awareness of data protection rights and suggested the consideration of a dedicated Diaspora desk to strengthen coordination between NiDCOM and the NDPC on issues relating to Diaspora data.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the Nigeria Data Protection Act, describing it as an important framework for strengthening personal data protection in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa further disclosed that NiDCOM had taken steps to align its digital systems with data protection requirements, noting that its latest system upgrade was undertaken with the support of a Nigerian based in Silicon Valley.
She said the upgrade was intended to ensure that NiDCOM remained abreast of evolving data protection standards and was better positioned to responsibly manage information relating to Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Also speaking, the Head of Technology Transfer and Innovation at NiDCOM, Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, underscored the importance of data protection to the Commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping initiative.
Terab said information collected to facilitate effective engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora must be properly managed and protected, noting that NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal predates the establishment of the NDPC.
He stressed that as the Commission continues to collect and manage information to support engagement with Nigerians abroad, protecting such data must remain a priority.
He said stronger collaboration with the NDPC would deepen institutional capacity and public awareness, while ensuring that Nigerians understand their rights as data subjects and that information collected by institutions is handled securely and in accordance with established data protection standards.
