Nigeria Strengthens Leadership In African Data Protection

Nigeria has taken a significant step in shaping Africa’s data protection landscape, with the national commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, appointed as chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee of the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA).

His appointment was confirmed during the Committee’s meeting on April 2, 2025, further cementing Nigeria’s growing influence in digital governance across the continent.

The Anglophone Countries Committee within NADPA serves as a critical platform for coordinating efforts to enhance data privacy and protection laws across English-speaking African nations. As Chair, Olatunji will work with regulators and stakeholders to strengthen legal frameworks, promote cross-border data cooperation, and ensure Africa’s participation in global data governance discussions.

Upon accepting the position, Olatunji, in a press statement, signed by the head, legal, enforcement & regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in Nigeria to lead at this pivotal time.

He emphasized that data protection is not just a legal necessity but a crucial driver of economic growth, innovation, and trust in Africa’s digital ecosystem. “This role is not just for Nigeria but for all member states. We must work collectively to protect the privacy rights of over 1.4 billion Africans while fostering an environment where businesses can thrive in the global data economy,” he said.
Olatunji further urged members to see the work of the Committee as a collective responsibility which must be discharged for the benefit of data subjects across Africa.

In addition to this appointment, Nigeria is set to host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference from May 6–8, 2025. The event, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” aims to address pressing issues in data security, regulatory compliance, and the ethical use of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.