The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has called for stronger collaboration among African data protection authorities and industry stakeholders to improve privacy and data protection across the continent.

He made the appeal during his welcome address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Edition of the Data Protection Africa Summit (DPAS) 2026, held in Lagos, Nigeria.

Addressing delegates from Nigeria and other African countries, Olatunji emphasised the importance of public awareness in strengthening data privacy. He noted that achieving wider awareness and better protection requires consistent engagement and cooperation among relevant stakeholders.

He also encouraged Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa and beyond to adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, describing strategic alliances as essential to developing a more effective data protection ecosystem.

Highlighting the impact of the NDPC’s approach, Olatunji disclosed that its PPP model had generated more than 27,000 jobs and expanded the number of certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) from fewer than 1,000 to over 10,000.

The National Commissioner also urged data controllers and processors to make regulatory compliance and quality service delivery fundamental to their institutional operations.

However, he cautioned that participation in partnerships and collaborative initiatives would not exempt organisations from regulatory enforcement. He maintained that individuals and organisations found violating data protection laws would continue to face sanctions.

Olatunji also recognised the Executive Director of Africa Data Rights Hub (ADRH), Ms Teki Akuetteh, for working with the NDPC to jointly host the summit.

Describing the event as a valuable opportunity for knowledge exchange and collective learning, he encouraged participants to strengthen cooperation, amplify their contributions and support the advancement of data protection across Africa.

He further challenged delegates to ensure that discussions at the summit translate into concrete decisions and practical actions that would create lasting improvements in the continent’s data protection ecosystem.

Source: VON – von.gov