The Federal Government has introduced the Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy, a digital training platform designed to improve data protection and privacy practices in both the public and private sectors.
The initiative was launched by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities held in Abuja on Tuesday.
During the event, Dr. Tijani emphasized that the academy is a crucial element of Nigeria’s broader strategy to leverage the digital economy. It aims to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of data governance.
“As we digitise government services, open up digital trade corridors, and scale digital identity platforms, data becomes the backbone and data protection, the shield,” Tijani said.
He also mentioned that the academy will offer Nigerians virtual access to hands-on training in data protection principles and cyber identity, which are crucial for fostering trust in digital platforms.
The Minister also introduced the Digital Trade Desk, a one-stop platform designed to assist Nigerian tech-enabled businesses in accessing global markets and boosting digital exports.
Meanwhile, Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fully implementing the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
He described data as more than just a digital asset, referring to it as “a human story told in numbers,” and emphasized its role as a foundational tool for fostering economic trust.
“As Africa expands its digital exchanges, the ability to share data securely and lawfully will determine how well we thrive in the global economy,” he noted.
The Vice President called on African nations to utilize the NADPA platform to build a unified approach to data governance across the continent, one that respects individual rights and promotes common values.
Also addressing the conference, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, highlighted Nigeria’s recent achievements in data governance.
He stated that the Commission had conducted over 5,000 compliance assessments, launched 223 investigations, and guided 12 organizations through remediation.
Additionally, he highlighted that in just two years, the NDPC had generated more than $1.2 million in revenue from registration, audit filings, and compliance fees.
“We’ve signed MOUs with data protection authorities across Africa and are creating a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while safeguarding citizens,” he added.
