The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has called on journalists across the country to maintain high ethical standards, professionalism, and responsible information management as Nigeria prepare for the 2027 general elections.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Vincent Olatunji, made the appeal in a goodwill message delivered at the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council.
He was represented at the event by the Head of Media Unit of the Commission, Itunu Dosekun.
Olatunji noted that the theme of the programme, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” was timely, given the increasing influence of digital platforms in shaping public opinion and information flow.
He warned that the rapid spread of disinformation poses a serious threat to public trust and democratic stability, stressing that the media’s role as a gatekeeper of truth has become even more critical in the digital age.
“In an era where disinformation can easily undermine public trust and democratic processes, the role of the press as a credible gatekeeper of truth has never been more important,” he said.
The NDPC chief commended journalists for their commitment to fact-checking, responsible reporting, and public enlightenment, while urging them to strengthen adherence to data protection principles in their work.
He emphasised that compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and the ethical handling of personal data are essential to building trust and ensuring a safe and credible information ecosystem.
“We also encourage heightened attention to data protection and privacy in the course of newsgathering and reporting. The ethical handling of personal data, respect for privacy rights, as well as compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 are key to building trust and ensuring that information ecosystems remain safe, lawful, and credible,” he added.
Olatunji reaffirmed the Commission’s readiness to collaborate with the media in promoting digital literacy, data protection awareness, and responsible information practices ahead of the 2027 elections.
He urged journalists to remain steadfast in upholding truth, balance, and ethical responsibility in their reporting duties to strengthen democracy and public confidence in the media.
