“Without Strong Stakeholder Awareness, Regulatory Enforcement Becomes Counterproductive”

…….Strategic Alliance to Safeguard Data Privacy in Telecoms Sector

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services) at NCC (middle), and Other Officials at the Launch of DPTWG, in Abuja, FCT Photo

In a decisive move to strengthen data protection and privacy in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have established a joint working group—the Data Protection in Telecommunications Working Group (DPTWG).

Unveiled in Abuja, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to securing the digital rights of over 164 million mobile phone users across the country. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, highlighted the importance of this partnership, emphasizing that both agencies—under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy—are dedicated to enforcing data protection regulations in the telecoms space.

“The creation of the DPTWG is a landmark step in ensuring that consumers’ data is adequately safeguarded in today’s digital economy. We are not just reacting to global trends; we are proactively fortifying Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

Representing NCC’s Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, at the event, Engr. Abraham Oshadami, Executive Commissioner (Technical Services), reaffirmed NCC’s unwavering commitment to upholding the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023). He assured that the commission would provide full institutional support to the working group to enforce compliance and protect telecom subscribers.

The DPTWG is tasked with developing innovative solutions for data protection, fostering capacity-building programs for key stakeholders, and ensuring strict adherence to data privacy laws within the sector. By spearheading regulatory enforcement and consumer awareness initiatives, the working group aims to bridge existing gaps in data security, thereby enhancing consumer confidence in Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy.

With data breaches and privacy violations becoming global concerns, this strategic collaboration between NDPC and NCC signals a strong institutional resolve to safeguard user data, reinforce trust in digital services, and drive Nigeria’s ambition of becoming a data-secure nation.

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