The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken a significant step toward enhancing data privacy and protection through bilateral cooperation with the Office of the Information Commissioner in the United Kingdom.
During their study visit to the OIC located in London and Wilmslow, UK, the NDPC team, led by national commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji gained valuable insights into the operations of a fully-fledged data protection authority. Olatunji shared Nigeria’s experiences and innovations in implementing the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023. The NDPC delegation was warmly received by ICO deputy commissioner for regulatory supervision, Stephen Bonner.
The agency’s head of media, Itunu Dosekun stated that during the study visit, which took place from September 28 to 29, 2023, both authorities delved into various aspects of data protection regulation, including policies, statutory guidelines, data protection impact assessments, children’s privacy data, data controllers’ registration and fees, enforcement, investigations and penalties. Further bilateral discussions are scheduled to develop a memorandum of understanding (MoU), fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening data privacy cooperation between the two data protection authorities.
The ID4D project coordinator, Solomon Odole who participated in the meetings as part of ID4D’s support for the commission’s establishment, emphasised the importance of building robust connections with data protection authorities in other countries to facilitate data flows.
