The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive digital governance and strengthening data protection frameworks as part of efforts to promote responsible innovation and sustainable development.
Representing the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Commission’s Head of Research and Development, Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe, participated in a high-level interactive session jointly hosted by the NDPC and Women in Technology in Nigeria (WITIN) at the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Also representing the Commission at the session was Technical Assistant to the National Commissioner, Engineer Toluwalope Ibitoye.
The session, themed “Democratising Innovation: Citizen Data, Indigenous Knowledge and Participatory STEM,” explored the growing importance of data protection and privacy in an increasingly digital world.
Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Pius-Fadipe highlighted the critical role of robust data protection policies in safeguarding the rights of data subjects while enabling innovation. The NDPC delegation also proposed practical policy pathways aimed at strengthening privacy safeguards and promoting responsible data governance.
Delegates at the session examined practical strategies for governments, civil society organisations, the private sector, academia and development partners across the Global South to foster inclusive digital transformation.
Discussions centred on developing and implementing inclusive digital governance frameworks, strengthening national data protection regimes, integrating community perspectives into artificial intelligence (AI) strategies, and promoting responsible data governance to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants stressed the need for collaborative action to ensure that digital innovation benefits all citizens and that no one is left behind in the global drive towards achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda.
