The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has been named Outstanding Data Protection Authority (DPA) at the 2025 PICASSO Awards Africa, an event instituted by international data governance stakeholders to celebrate excellence in governance, regulatory leadership, and innovation in the data protection and privacy ecosystem across the continent.
The award recognised the Commission’s outstanding contributions to strengthening data protection, promoting compliance, and advancing Nigeria’s position within Africa’s digital governance landscape.
The PICASSO Awards, holding its maiden edition in Africa in Accra, Ghana, is widely regarded as one of the leading platforms for honouring institutions and individuals driving positive reforms within the data protection and privacy ecosystem. This recognition highlights the NDPC’s commitment to safeguarding data rights and fostering trust in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.
Receiving the award, the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, expressed his appreciation for the honour and reflected on the Commission’s progress since the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in 2023. He emphasised that the NDPC’s achievements have been largely driven by its Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model, which has enabled the development of a strong, resilient, and collaborative data protection ecosystem.
Dr Olatunji stated that, “This award is a testament to what is possible when government and relevant industry stakeholders collaborate towards a shared vision. Our Public–Private Partnership model has allowed the data protection ecosystem to grow rapidly and sustainably. We are profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), for his belief in the importance of data protection, and for providing Nigeria with a robust legal foundation to safeguard the rights of all citizens.”
He went on to encourage Data Protection Authorities (DPAs) across Africa to remain steadfast in the enforcement of data protection and privacy within their respective regions. He noted that, “The future of Africa’s digital economy depends on trust. I urge all DPAs on the continent to remain steadfast in enforcing data protection and privacy laws in their regions. Together, we must continue building systems that safeguard the rights of our citizens and strengthen our digital prosperity.”
Dr Olatunji reaffirmed the NDPC’s commitment to advancing data governance, deepening capacity-building initiatives, and fostering a safer digital environment for Nigerians and the wider African community.
