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NDPC Expands Public-Sector Data Privacy Framework
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has signed separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to reinforce data protection and privacy standards across Nigeria’s public sector and subnational institutions.
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The agreements are aimed at embedding robust data governance practices within federal procurement processes and state-level administrations. This push comes as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation agenda.
Strengthening Data Governance in Public Procurement
Speaking during the MoU signing with the BPP, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, commended the Bureau for prioritising privacy and responsible data handling in public procurement.
“Data privacy is a global imperative for building trust, confidence, and credibility within the digital ecosystem. The NDPC remains committed to supporting the integration of robust data protection standards within Nigeria’s procurement sector,” Olatunji said.
Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of the BPP, reaffirmed the Bureau’s dedication to ethical data management in his remarks. He also stressed the importance of aligning with global best practices.
“We recognise that the unlawful disclosure of government information is a criminal offence. As we embrace technology, there is a growing need to strengthen safeguards for the protection of sensitive information,” Adedokun said.
Capacity Building for Procurement Officers
As part of the collaboration, the NDPC offered 50 Virtual Privacy Academy vouchers to BPP staff to strengthen capacity in data protection and privacy compliance.
Adedokun welcomed the initiative and proposed the expansion of structured training programmes to cover the Bureau’s 453 procurement officers nationwide, underscoring the importance of building institutional competence in data governance.
Extending Data Protection to the States
The NDPC’s MoU with the NGF will deepen the adoption of data protection and privacy frameworks at the state level.
Olatunji commended the NGF’s leadership for its willingness to partner with the Commission. He stressed that adhering to data protection obligations is essential for strengthening privacy safeguards across the country.
“Effective data protection across our states will accelerate nationwide adoption, enhance investor confidence, and support foreign direct investment,” he said.
NGF Commits to Responsible Data Governance
The Director-General of the NGF, Abdulateef Shittu, described the partnership as a strategic step toward securing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“This collaboration with the NDPC is essential to advancing responsible data governance and protecting citizens’ data at the subnational level,” Shittu stated.
Implementation Frameworks and Working Groups
According to a statement signed by Itunu Dosekun, Head of the Media Unit at the NDPC, dedicated working groups have been established with both the BPP and the NGF.
The working groups are tasked with developing actionable frameworks to ensure the swift and effective implementation of the MoUs. This will help translate policy commitments into measurable outcomes across federal and state institutions.
