In a significant move toward strengthening regional collaboration on data protection and privacy, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) played host to a high-level delegation from Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) on a strategic understudy visit to Abuja.

The Ugandan delegation, led by Mr Stephen Mugabe, the Director of Data Protection Affairs at the PDPO, was received by the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, alongside senior officials and department heads of the Commission. The visit is part of Uganda’s broader initiative to enhance its data protection framework by learning from countries within the continent that have made notable strides in the data protection and privacy ecosystem.

In his welcome address, Dr Olatunji expressed delight at receiving the Ugandan team and highlighted the importance of intra-African cooperation in building sustainable and resilient data governance systems. He explained that the Commission’s successes thus far have been facilitated by a deliberate Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which fosters collaboration with stakeholders across the sector. “Our approach is the PPP model. We experimented, and it worked. We licensed private sector organisations to carry out Compliance as a service on behalf of the Commission. We started with 15, but we now have 257,” Dr Olatunji stated.

He encouraged the Ugandan data regulators to adopt solutions that reflect their unique national realities, including the deployment of local technologies, engagement with sector stakeholders, and frameworks for capacity development. He advised them not to be afraid to try out innovative ideas. He said, “Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Don’t be afraid of failing”.

The National Commissioner took the opportunity to share Nigeria’s pioneering approach to localising the certification of Data Protection Officers (DPOs), a move designed to ensure contextual relevance and drive indigenous capacity building in the data protection space. This initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR)’s broader economic agenda, as it is strategically positioned to enhance investor confidence by demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to global data protection standards. By strengthening regulatory frameworks and local expertise, the government aims to create a more secure digital environment: this is an essential factor in attracting and sustaining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country’s growing digital economy.

Leader of the Ugandan team, Mr Mugabe, expressed appreciation for the NDPC’s warm reception and willingness to share operational insights. He provided an update on Uganda’s progress in data protection, noting key milestones such as the establishment of the PDPO and regulatory framework development. He also commended the Commission’s professionalism and commitment to data subject rights, stating that Uganda is working to mirror similar values and structures.

“Our aim with this visit is to understand the daily operations of the NDPC, department by department, and take back lessons that can be adapted to the Ugandan context,” he said. “We are particularly impressed by Nigeria’s approach to awareness, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building”.

The NDPC’s department heads engaged the Ugandan delegation in detailed sessions covering strategic areas such as organisational structure, regulatory compliance, public awareness, enforcement procedures, data breach response, strategic partnerships, and international cooperation.

Dr Olatunji concluded by reiterating the importance of inter-agency and inter-country collaboration. “Data has no borders. As Africa continues to embrace digital transformation, we must ensure our policies, frameworks, and enforcement mechanisms are harmonised to ensure mutual respect, trust, and protection of our citizens’ data rights,” he said. “It is only through such partnerships that Africa can develop a data protection and privacy ecosystem that is not only efficient and secure, but one that the rest of the world will look up to”.

Signed
Itunu Dosekun
Head, Media Unit, NDPC

 
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has called for a united front between Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and government in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, describing the nation’s current trajectory as one that demands shared responsibility, not blame.
Speaking at the 1st Civil Society Summit on Civil Democracy and National Development, held at the Rotunda Conference Hall of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Inuwa emphasised that reforming Nigeria’s economy to deliver sustained and inclusive growth is not a task for the government alone.
Urging stakeholders to move from critique to co-creation in national policy efforts. He said, “There are things the government can do that civil society cannot, and there are things the government can do that you cannot do, but together, we can achieve greater things.”
Outlining the eight priority areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda, including economic reform, national security, agricultural transformation, natural resource development, infrastructure expansion, social sector enhancement, industrial diversification, and improved governance, Inuwa stressed the importance of national consensus in achieving meaningful progress.
“If we agree on this vision, then we must move forward together, irrespective of who is in government. What matters is continuity of vision, and the collective will to implement it,” he asserted.
He further advocated for the strategic use of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, to improve productivity in key sectors like agriculture, health, and education.
Citing ongoing collaborations, he revealed that NITDA is currently supporting the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in deploying a digital citizen engagement platform powered by AI, designed to co-create impactful policies with the youth.
“Technology gives us tools to scale ideas and boost productivity tenfold. Nigeria does not lack ideas; what we need are the tools and will to implement them on time,” Inuwa said.
Inuwa concluded by underscoring the importance of trust-building through engagement, stating that the trust deficit between government and citizens often stems from a lack of interaction.
“Mr. President has a vision for Nigeria. Therefore, we should all work together to support him in achieving that vision. If we agree, we have a consensus that will help us to build trust. And when we build trust, we can win the battle today and make Nigeria great,” he concluded.
The summit provided a critical forum for stakeholders to align on national priorities, deepen civic participation, and reinforce civil society’s role in steering Nigeria towards sustainable development and democratic consolidation.
 

 
In a strategic stakeholder engagement aimed at advancing Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) reform, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to driving digital identity and data integration as critical enablers of national planning and inclusive governance.
Engaging with key institutions, including the National Population Commission (NPC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the DG highlighted the alignment of CRVS reform with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises digital public infrastructure, efficient service delivery, and data-driven policymaking.
The DG made this disclosure at the National Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Co-ordination Committee Inaugural Meeting, which was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Abuja Continental Hotel in Abuja.
He underscored the critical role of civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) in driving evidence-based governance, national planning, and inclusive service delivery across Nigeria.
“The importance of civil registration and vital statistics cannot be overemphasised,” and it is foundational for making informed and insightful decisions at every level of government, that is, federal, state, and local,” he said.
Inuwa emphasised the urgent need for harmonised data systems across government institutions to enable real-time insights, smart planning, and responsive governance. With fragmented data systems continuing to hamper the country’s ability to plan effectively, he stressed that leveraging technology would be key to unlocking progress.
“From registering people at birth, giving them legal identity, and linking that information to national planning and budgeting, technology can help us stitch everything together. Without harmonising our data, we cannot generate the insight we need for national development,” he added.
While giving his assurances that NITDA will provide standards and advisory support to relevant agencies to ensure the digitisation of civil registration processes is seamless and citizen-centric, Inuwa stated that the agency would serve as a key enabler to the CRV digital transformation process.
“At NITDA, our vision is to ensure that the right standards and digital advisory services are in place for all institutions involved in CRVS. We are committed to supporting this committee by enabling the technology that will power seamless, integrated service delivery for all Nigerians,” he mentioned.
By aligning with the National Population Council’s broader agenda to modernise identity management and streamline service delivery, NITDA’s role will be instrumental in developing the digital infrastructure and governance frameworks required to support a unified CRVS platform.
“Digital is a lifestyle now. Nobody wants to fill out forms on paper or move from office to office. Everything must be digital, seamless, and secure,” the DG concluded.
Other dignitaries at the event were the Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity & National Population, Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Hon Nasir Isa Kwarra, Statistician General of the Federation and CEO, National Bureau of Statistics, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, DG, National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr. Bisoye Coker-Odusote, ALGON President, Engr Bello Lawal, amongst many others.

 
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening digital literacy, accelerating innovation, and expanding technology infrastructure as key drivers of inclusive national development.
Inuwa said this while delivering an address at the 2-Day Interactive Session on Government–Citizens Engagement, organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation at the iconic Arewa House in Kaduna.
Themed “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government Engagement for National Unity,” the forum convened high-level stakeholders in government, civil society, academia, and policymakers to reflect on the progress of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of governance delivery and citizen inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Inuwa emphasised that digital transformation is not only central to achieving the eight priority areas outlined by President Tinubu, but also foundational to uniting the country through equitable access to opportunities.
He described the digital economy as a cross-cutting enabler capable of enhancing productivity across all sectors, from agriculture and education to healthcare and financial services.
According to him, “Digital technology is not a vertical sector, it is pervasive and foundational. It powers everything else and provides a framework for inclusive growth.”
The NITDA boss outlined the Agency’s strategic focus around three key pillars: human capital development, digital infrastructure, and innovation-driven entrepreneurship, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda had brought renewed vision and energy to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), enabling them to act in concert and foster stronger trust between government and the private sector.
On human capital, he noted that Nigeria’s greatest resource is its people, and developing digital skills at scale is crucial to unlocking that potential. Through initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and the Digital Literacy for All campaign, NITDA has trained over 350,000 individuals in Northern Nigeria since 2023. He explained that the goal is to ensure that by 2027, more than 70 percent Nigerians would have attained basic digital literacy.
To achieve this, Inuwa said NITDA is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to embed digital skills into the formal education system from kindergarten to tertiary level. He added that partnerships with the National Universities Commission (NUC) are ongoing to ensure digital literacy becomes part of the general studies curriculum across Nigerian universities.
In addition, NITDA is collaborating with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to train of corps members annually, who in turn serve as digital literacy champions, taking technology skills into rural communities and informal sectors.
Highlighting infrastructure as another critical area, Inuwa announced that the Federal Government had approved the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic cables across the country to expand broadband penetration.
He also stated that three digital centres are currently being built in each state to ensure that underserved and unserved communities can participate meaningfully in the digital economy. Northern Nigeria, with its wide coverage and developmental needs, is expected to benefit immensely from this rollout. So far, 13 IT Community Centres, 101 Digital Economy e-learning Centres and One Cybersecurity Research Centre were established in the last two years.
He also disclosed that the conducive investment climate fostered by President Tinubu’s reforms has sparked renewed interest from global technology companies, with tech giants such as Google and Microsoft bringing significant investments in Nigeria.
Inuwa announced that Nigeria would host two major global technology events in the coming months, GITEX Nigeria in September and the United Nations’ ICT for Governance (ICEGOV) Summit in November—both of which are expected to attract global innovators and investors.

 
In a powerful demonstration of its commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched the second cohort of the IgniteHer Bootcamp for Women Entrepreneurs, a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating gender inclusion and economic empowerment through digital innovation.
The bootcamp, themed “Empowering Women Entrepreneurs for Growth and Innovation”, was launched in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and brought together selected women entrepreneurs from across Nigeria, both physically and virtually, for rigorous training in digital skills, innovation management, business development, and investor readiness.
The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, who declared the bootcamp open, reaffirmed the Agency’s role in aligning Nigeria’s digital development with the national priorities of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth and accelerating economic diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.
“Through IgniteHer, we are actualising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda by expanding women’s access to technology and economic opportunity,” he stated.
The DG, who was represented by the agency’s Acting Director of the Digital Literacy and Capacity Building department, Dr. Ahmed Tambuwal, noted that inclusive innovation is a cornerstone of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0: 2024–2027), which supports national aspirations for inclusive growth, poverty eradication, and youth empowerment.
“We are not merely imparting skills; we are creating self-reliant entrepreneurs, change-makers, and leaders,” he added.
Inuwa disclosed that the IgniteHer Bootcamp is also a key component of the National Gender Digital Inclusion Strategy (NGDIS), through which NITDA is working to empower 12.7 million Nigerian women with digital literacy skills by 2027. He averred that the programme complements broader government efforts to bridge gender gaps, enhance productivity, and reduce unemployment, especially among young women.
Citing a report by the World Wide Web Foundation, the DG emphasised that closing the digital gender gap in Nigeria could unlock an estimated $13 billion in GDP growth over the next decade.
“This training is a step towards harnessing this economic potential and ensuring that women play an integral role in shaping the digital landscape of Nigeria,” he noted.
He therefore called on participants selected from over 12,000 applicants to seize the moment and shape the future of Nigerian entrepreneurship.
While highlighting NITDA’s leadership in strategic partnerships, the DG commended JICA and the Government of Japan for their ongoing collaboration in supporting digital empowerment through programmes like IgniteHer and the iHatch Incubation Programme, which provides startup support, mentorship, and innovation development to early-stage entrepreneurs.
“At NITDA, we believe that inclusive innovation is not just an ideal but a critical strategy that ensures the growth of a stronger economy, the development of smarter solutions, and the existence of more resilient communities. Through IgniteHer, we are dismantling barriers and replacing them with pathways to opportunity,” he concluded.
In his remarks, the Japanese Ambassador to Nigeria, Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, reaffirmed Japan’s long-standing commitment to innovation and gender inclusion in Nigeria. He announced that Japan, through JICA, is currently supporting two grant projects worth $30.9 million, focused on improving Nigeria’s startup ecosystem, strengthening the investment climate, and building an inclusive innovation hub.
The Ambassador also referenced the upcoming Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), themed “Co-create Innovative Solutions with Africa”, as further testament to Japan’s dedication to deepening Africa-Japan cooperation on digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
Lead Facilitator of IgniteHer, Hajiya Hafsat Salabi-Dange, described the programme as a catalyst for social and economic transformation. While praising NITDA’s visionary approach to development, she stated that the programme is a movement that is bridging the digital gender divide and fostering economic independence.
Encouraging the participants to remain curious, intentional, and bold, she said, “What you will gain here goes beyond business; it is a tool for community upliftment, national growth, and generational impact.”