Nigeria to host African Data Protection Conference in 2025
…Inaugurates planning committee
By Blessing Emmanuel
Nigeria has taken a significant step towards reinforcing its position as a key player in Africa’s digital landscape as she is preparing to host the 10th Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RADPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting in May 2025.
This marks a major milestone for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), as the nation gears up to welcome leading data protection authorities, experts, and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond.
The preparations began with the inauguration of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, at a ceremony held at the Commission’s office in Abuja. The LOC, consisting of representatives from various sectors, is tasked with the crucial role of ensuring the success of this high-profile event.
Dr. Olatunji, while addressing the newly inaugurated committee, emphasised the significance of the conference not only for the NDPC and the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), but for Nigeria as a whole.
He pointed out that the event will serve as a platform to showcase Nigeria’s growing influence in the data protection and privacy sector, both regionally and globally.
“This conference is an opportunity to bring the world to Nigeria, to demonstrate that our country is a peaceful, safe, and welcoming destination for international events and investments,” Dr. Olatunji said. “It is about promoting Nigeria’s positive image on the global stage.”
The LOC brings together a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from FMCIDE, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Bank (represented by the ID4D Project office), the Digital Transformation Center, the European Union, and leading technology companies like Meta, Google, AWS, and Microsoft.
Other members include organisations such as Management Edge, ISACA, MasterCard, and the Office of Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya, alongside media representatives.
The conference is expected to attract a wide range of participants, including Heads of Data Protection Authorities, multinational corporations, development partners, and foreign investors. This aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8th-point agenda, particularly in driving economic growth and job creation.
Dr. Olatunji noted that Nigeria’s selection as the host for this significant event underscores the rapid progress the NDPC has made since its inception.
“Although we entered the data protection and privacy space later than some other countries, we have quickly established ourselves as a formidable force, even on the global stage,” he remarked.
The NADPA-RADPA, established in September 2016 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is composed of 23 Data Protection Authorities from across Africa, with additional members holding observer status. Its mission is to foster cooperation and knowledge exchange among its members while amplifying Africa’s voice in global data protection discussions.
As Nigeria prepares to host the 2025 conference, the LOC’s work will be instrumental in ensuring that the event not only runs smoothly but also leaves a lasting impact, further solidifying Nigeria’s role as a leader in Africa’s digital transformation and data protection initiatives.
