Regulators pledge joint action to safeguard citizens’ data as AI and digital economy expand…..
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening collaboration on data privacy and protection across the country.
The agreement was formalised on Thursday at the NCC headquarters in Abuja, marking a new phase of cooperation between the two regulatory bodies as Nigeria deepens its digital transformation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, said the partnership would allow both agencies to combine their expertise and institutional capacity to better safeguard the personal data of Nigerians.
He emphasised that neither organisation could fully deliver on its mandate independently, noting that data now plays a central role in governance, economic development and national growth.
“We do not want this MoU to be signed and left on the shelf. We want it to be immediately operationalised,” Olatunji said, adding that the joint teams responsible for implementing the agreement must be adequately empowered to ensure meaningful results.
He described the collaboration as beneficial to the country, especially at a time when digital platforms increasingly shape economic and social activities.
In his remarks, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Aminu Maida, assured the NDPC of the commission’s full cooperation, stressing that collaboration would not be limited by sectoral boundaries.
Maida noted that the NCC had successfully driven Nigeria’s connectivity expansion over the years, growing telecom subscriptions from about 500,000 to nearly 200 million. However, he said the country was now entering a new digital era that requires regulators to move beyond connectivity and focus on enabling citizens and businesses to benefit from emerging technologies such as automation and artificial intelligence.
According to him, data is the foundation of this evolving digital landscape, as artificial intelligence systems rely heavily on information generated by users on digital platforms.
“Data is central to this new era, and the people generating this data are Nigerians themselves. Artificial intelligence cannot exist without individuals using digital platforms. Our responsibility as regulators is to enable safe participation in this digital space,” Maida said.
He stressed that public awareness of data rights is critical, warning that lack of knowledge could allow others to exploit and monetise citizens’ data.
“If people are unaware of their rights over data, someone else will monetise it. This is why data protection is crucial for the future and sovereignty of our nation,” he added.
Maida said the two commissions would work together to ensure communication networks remain resilient while safeguarding the data generated on those platforms in accordance with Nigerian laws.
