The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has called on stakeholders in the digital economy to collaborate in unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential in the global technology space.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of all Chief Executive Officers of agencies under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy at the opening of the 2025 Digital Nigeria International Conference, Olatunji emphasised that Nigeria stands at a critical juncture where collaboration, innovation, and strategic partnerships are essential to achieving global competitiveness.
Highlighting the rapid growth of the global digital economy, he noted that there are now over 18.8 billion connected devices serving a global population of about 8.2 billion people, underscoring the transformative power of technology in business, communication, and governance.
He stated that Nigeria possesses both the human and material resources to lead in the digital space but must overcome fragmentation by fostering synergy among stakeholders across sectors.
Describing the country’s youthful and tech-savvy population—over 65 percent of Nigerians—as a strategic advantage, Olatunji urged greater investment in digital skills and innovation to drive inclusive growth.
Citing global disruptors such as Uber, Booking.com, and Amazon as examples of how technology can redefine industries without owning traditional assets, he encouraged Nigerian innovators to adopt similar models that leverage creativity and technology for impact.
Olatunji also referenced the recent public hearing at the National Assembly on the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill, describing it as a landmark step toward institutionalising Nigeria’s digital transformation. The bill, he said, will establish a unified legal framework for digital governance, cybersecurity, and electronic transactions, enabling Nigeria to achieve measurable global relevance.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his early commitment to the tech ecosystem, citing the swift signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act as evidence of strong political will. He also praised the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, for his technocratic leadership and ability to unite stakeholders around a shared digital vision.
Olatunji concluded by urging participants to embrace collaboration, innovation, and disruption as key drivers of progress.