The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), alongside more than 50 public and private organisations, spearheaded a public awareness roadshow in Abuja to educate citizens on data protection and privacy.
The event formed part of the activities marking the 2026 National Privacy Week.
The roadshow coincided with Global Privacy Day, observed annually on January 28, which Nigeria extends into a week-long programme to address the generally low level of awareness on data protection and privacy issues.
National Commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, explained that the extended observance is intended to deepen public understanding of the rights and responsibilities associated with personal data.
He noted that the NDPC’s mandate is broad and requires collaboration with multiple stakeholders to ensure effective nationwide awareness.
Olatunji highlighted that data subjects have the right to understand why their personal data is being collected, how it will be processed, stored, shared, and for how long it will be retained.
“Any organisation collecting your data must disclose the purpose. You have a right to know what will be done with it and how long it will be kept,” he said.
He encouraged participants to carry the message of data protection back to their communities and workplaces, emphasizing that safeguarding privacy is now a collective responsibility in the digital age.
Olatunji also stressed that data controllers and processors, including organisations handling personal data, must comply with legal obligations to protect the rights of data subjects.
He invited attendees to participate in NDPC’s virtual data protection training programmes, noting that vouchers were available for one-hour sessions with certificates issued upon completion.
According to him, the certification can provide career opportunities for individuals interested in data protection and compliance roles.
Olatunji added that the roadshow promoted holistic wellbeing, as participants combined awareness-building with physical activity.
The Abuja event brought together over 50 organisations, including government agencies, civil society groups, and private sector players, demonstrating a unified commitment to advancing data protection and privacy awareness nationwide.