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Landmark Capacity-Building Drive to Deepen Privacy, Trust in Nigeria’s Identity Ecosystem
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have announced a new partnership. Together, they will roll out a nationwide certification training programme for over 4,000 NIMC staff. The initiative seeks to strengthen compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and enhance data security across the country’s identity ecosystem.
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The initiative is a large-scale capacity-building effort aimed at strengthening data governance and cybersecurity. It focuses on embedding strict privacy practices across identity management operations. This is being rolled out as Nigeria continues to expand its digital identity services across the country.
Virtual Privacy Academy Onboards Thousands of NIMC Staff
The initiative includes a core pillar focused on capacity building. Thousands of NIMC employees will be onboarded onto the NDPC’s Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA). The VPA is a self-paced digital learning platform that develops skills in lawful data collection, processing, storage, and incident response management.
Through the VPA, participants will undergo structured training modules and receive professional certification upon completion, positioning them to manage sensitive identity data in line with global best practices.
Mandatory Training for Front-End Enrolment Partners
Beyond internal staff training, NIMC has mandated regulatory and data protection training for its Front-End Enrolment Partners (FEPs). This requirement ensures that all partner software platforms and enrolment processes strictly comply with data protection and cybersecurity standards.
The move is expected to enhance end-to-end security around the National Identification Number (NIN) database and boost public confidence in Nigeria’s digital identity infrastructure.
Leadership Speaks on Trust, Accountability, and Human Capital
Speaking at a joint press conference in Abuja, the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Abisoye Coker-Odusote, described the programme as a major milestone in strengthening trust, accountability, and professionalism in identity management.
She noted that as custodian of Nigeria’s National Identity Database—one of the country’s most sensitive strategic assets—NIMC bears the responsibility of protecting the personal data of millions of Nigerians and legal residents.
“This responsibility demands not only secure systems and robust technology, but also a trusted workforce equipped with the knowledge, skills, and ethical standards to safeguard personal data,” she said.
Coker-Odusote added that the partnership with NDPC will reinforce a culture of privacy, confidentiality, and accountability across all NIMC operations nationwide.
NDPC: No Comparable Training Programme in Africa
In his remarks, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, commended NIMC’s leadership for prioritising data protection and human capital development.
He emphasized that skilled people are essential for even the most advanced technologies to work effectively. He pointed out that no other organisation in Africa has launched a data protection training programme on this scale. The initiative involves training more than 4,000 staff members.
According to him, the initiative underscores the strategic importance of NIMC as custodian of Nigeria’s foundational identity system and the need for strong technical and organisational safeguards.
“This is a huge opportunity for staff to build new competencies and develop careers in the fast-growing field of data protection and privacy management,” Olatunji said.
Privacy by Design and the Renewed Hope Agenda
Coker-Odusote further explained that all NIMC initiatives are built on the principle of privacy by design. She noted that this approach supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The goal, she said, is to create a secure, trusted, and digitally inclusive Nigeria.
She proposed expanding the training initiative to include frontline partners. She also called for the institutionalisation of annual continuous professional development for all NIMC staff. This, she argued, would ensure the workforce stays current with evolving data protection standards.
Certification Opportunities for Operators and Enrollees
A core pillar of the initiative is the certification of Data Protection Officers (DPOs). Operators and professionals seeking official DPO certification are encouraged to apply through the NDPC DPO Training Portal.
This programme supports Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national data protection and privacy workforce.
