In a move aimed at deepening data protection and enhancing public trust in official statistics, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has stepped up collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics.
Leading the effort, the NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, visited the office of the Statistician-General of the Federation, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, in Abuja on Monday, accompanied by a team of commission staff.
Prince Adeniran welcomed the NDPC delegation and commended the commission under Dr. Olatunji’s leadership for advancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria. He highlighted the mandate of the NBS, noting that it provides key socioeconomic data for the country, coordinates Nigeria’s Statistical System, and serves as the custodian of all official statistics nationwide.
He added that the NBS recognises the importance of data protection in fulfilling its mandate and ensures compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPR). “We are also working to strengthen compliance across all sub-regional offices in the federation,” Prince Adeniran said.
In his remarks, Dr. Olatunji praised Prince Adeniran for his leadership and emphasized the Bureau’s critical role in Nigeria’s economy.
“The NBS is a data controller and processor of major importance due to the volume and sensitivity of the data in its database. Collaboration with the NDPC will further strengthen the Bureau by enhancing public trust and confidence in its processes,” he said, noting that improved data protection will also support priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in promoting foreign direct investment in Nigeria.
Dr. Olatunji further offered free certification for some NBS staff as Data Protection Officers (DPOs), complimentary vouchers for the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA), and free induction training for all NBS staff nationwide.
During the visit, the two organisations explored areas of collaboration, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). A joint working group was immediately established to further strengthen the relationship and operational coordination between the NDPC and NBS.