FG unveils Nigeria Virtual Privacy Academy to boost data protection capacity 

The initiative was unveiled by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, at the 8th annual conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA), which kicked off in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Tijani said the academy is a key part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to harness the benefits of a digital economy by equipping stakeholders with the tools and knowledge to navigate the 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 added that the academy will provide Nigerians with virtual access to practical training on data protection principles and cyber identity, essential components for building trust in digital platforms.

“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 urged African nations to use the NADPA platform to shape a continent-wide consensus on data governance, one that respects individual rights and promotes shared values.

Also speaking at the conference, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, highlighted Nigeria’s recent milestones in data governance.

According to him, the Commission has conducted over 5,000 compliance assessments, initiated 223 investigations, and taken 12 organisations through remediation.

He noted that within two years, the NDPC had generated over $1.2 million in revenue from registration, audit filing, 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. 

Dr. Olatunji called on other African countries yet to enact data protection laws to do so, stressing that “strong data protection frameworks are not barriers to innovation, but enablers of a resilient and inclusive digital economy.” 

The three-day NADPA conference, themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies,” brought together representatives from over 30 African countries, as well as participants from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the U.S.