The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) concluded its flagship initiative – the National Privacy Week, with a memorable Dinner and Awards Night on February 4, 2024. The event, spanning from January 28th to February 4th, served as a week-long celebration dedicated to raising awareness and building capacity to advance data privacy rights while fostering trust and confidence in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

The closing awards and dinner were graced by distinguished guests, including Faruk Yusuf Yabo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), representing Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, the Honourable Minister of FMCIDE. Notable figures such as Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), Nkechi Egerton-Idehen, Managing Director/CEO of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), Lanre Gbajabiamila, Director General of the National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), and Ekpo Nta ESQ, Chairman/CEO of the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, along with other dignitaries from various public and private sectors, also graced the occasion.

One of the evening’s highlights was the compelling speech delivered by Elo Umeh, the CEO of Terragon Group, Africa’s leading Data and Marketing Technology company, and a five-time ISO-certified company renowned for its commitment to excellence in data handling practices.

In his speech, Elo emphasized the critical need for local participation in data protection, acknowledging the complexities arising from unique cultural sensitivities, diverse threat vectors, and varying levels of digital literacy in different regions.

He further advocated for a collaborative approach, where local voices play a pivotal role in shaping data protection policies. Umeh highlighted the benefits of such an approach, including a deeper understanding of community concerns, enhanced trust, and effective enforcement at the grassroots level.

In closing, Elo underscored the importance of bridging the gap between national and local efforts in data protection. He called for a collective effort to champion local voices in this critical endeavor, envisioning a future where technology empowers rather than exploits, and data privacy becomes a fundamental right secured by the collective strength of communities.

The National Privacy Week reaffirmed NDPC’s position as a guardian of data privacy rights, committed to advancing transparency, accountability, and trust in the digital landscape. As we continue our journey towards technological innovation and economic prosperity, the principles upheld during NPW serve as guiding beacons, ensuring that privacy remains a cornerstone of our progress and development.