The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening global data governance during a courtesy visit to Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim.
The visit took place on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, where Nigeria is participating alongside delegates from several member states to advance harmonised legal frameworks for secure and trusted cross-border digital commerce.
During the meeting, Dr Olatunji congratulated Ambassador Ibrahim on his appointment as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and his election as Chair of the United Nations Committee on Budget and Administration. He described the achievements as a reflection of Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership within the multilateral system.
The NDPC boss highlighted the Commission’s achievements since its establishment, noting that strategic institutional reforms have positioned Nigeria as a leading voice in the global data protection ecosystem. He said the country’s data protection framework has continued to earn international recognition, adding that the Commission remains committed to promoting trusted data governance as a driver of digital transformation, economic growth, innovation and sustainable development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Responding, Ambassador Ibrahim commended the leadership and staff of the NDPC for the remarkable progress recorded within a short period following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
He also advocated the establishment of a comprehensive national data bank to serve as a repository of credible and structured information that would support evidence-based governance, academic research and national development planning.
The ambassador reaffirmed the commitment of Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to supporting initiatives that promote data privacy, data protection and responsible digital governance, describing them as essential to national development and international cooperation.
The ongoing UNCITRAL session has brought together delegates from Nigeria, Australia, China, Ghana, France, the United States and other member states to develop harmonised legal frameworks aimed at facilitating secure, trusted and efficient cross-border digital commerce.
