NUJ FCT Signs Pact with NDPC to Protect Media from Digital Risks

 In a strategic move to fortify journalists against rising cyber threats, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has signed a partnership agreement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The pact aims to equip media professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate Nigeria’s evolving data protection landscape safely and responsibly.
The agreement was formalized during a high-level courtesy visit on Wednesday, led by NUJ FCT Chairman Comrade Grace Ike, to the leadership of the NDPC. The delegation sought support for training programs that will enhance journalists’ capacity to handle sensitive data, prevent digital breaches, and uphold ethical reporting standards.
“Data is power. It shapes narratives, drives governance, influences elections, and can either build or destroy trust,” Comrade Ike said. “As journalists, we are custodians of information and public trust. Every day, we collect, process, and disseminate data—sometimes sensitive—and we must be prepared to protect it.”
She warned that the rapid growth of digital media, increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, and fast-spreading misinformation make media professionals particularly vulnerable. “Journalists who do not understand data protection risk not only their own credibility but also the strength of democracy. Our media must embody the standards we report on,” Ike added.
The partnership will provide practical guidance on Nigeria’s data protection laws, expose journalists to digital security best practices, and empower them to safeguard newsroom systems, sources, and personal devices.
Commending the NDPC for its leadership in privacy protection, Comrade Ike stressed that well-informed journalists are better positioned to report responsibly without infringing on privacy rights.
In response, NDPC National Commissioner and CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji applauded the NUJ FCT Council for the initiative, highlighting the Commission’s recent engagements with journalists during National Privacy Week in Lagos and Abuja. Dr. Olatunji pledged to organize a one-day induction training for the council, provide free access to the Virtual Privacy Academy, and offer slots in the NDPC certification program.
“The media is the Fourth Estate, and awareness is never too much,” Dr. Olatunji said, emphasizing ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework. Since 2019, the NDPC has generated ₦16.2 billion in revenue—₦7.2 billion remitted to the Federal Government—hosted delegations from eight countries, and led large-scale Global Privacy Week trainings in Lagos.
Looking forward, the Commission plans follow-up engagements to expand awareness into rural areas, ensuring journalists across Nigeria are better equipped to operate safely in the digital era.
The NUJ FCT–NDPC collaboration signals a critical step toward a more secure digital environment for media professionals, strengthening data governance while protecting public trust and reinforcing democracy in Nigeria.
The NUJ FCT Council and NDPC partner to train journalists on cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical reporting, enhancing Nigeria’s media resilience against digital threats.