The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), Dr. Vincent Olatunji has been selected to join the prestigious Forbes Technology Council for 2023.
The Forbes Technology Council is an exclusive community that invites top-tier CIOs, CTOs and technology executives to join its ranks.
Expressing his enthusiasm, the founder of Forbes Councils, Scott Gerber warmly welcomed Olatunji to the council. He emphasised the mission of Forbes Councils, which is “to bring together proven leaders from every industry, creating a curated, social capital-driven network that helps every member grow professionally and make an even greater impact on the business world”.
Olatunji expressed his delight at being considered worthy to join the Forbes Technology Council. He stated, “It is another confirmation of our modest effort to ensure that our country is recognized among the global leaders in Data Protection compliance”.
Olatunji is highly accomplished, holding a doctorate degree in geography and planning from the University of Lagos. He is also a certified public-private partnership specialist (IP3 Specialist) and a PECB Certified Data Protection Officer. With a remarkable professional background, he has demonstrated his ability to deliver impactful results, build strong relationships across sectors, and achieve tangible outcomes. Throughout his career, he has led teams, conducted extensive research, developed effective policies and implemented strategic initiatives at all levels of government in Nigeria. Olatunji excels in driving human growth and process transformation and his skill set includes negotiation, networking and public speaking. With over 30 years of experience in the public sector, he brings a wealth of knowledge and professionalism to the Forbes Technology Council.
Olatunji’s journey began in 2002 when he joined the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Over the years, he has worked in various departments, ascending to the position of director in 2014 and acting director-general in 2016. Before his appointment as the National Commissioner of the NDPB in February 2022, he served as the director of e-government development and regulations at NITDA. During his tenure, he led a formidable team in delivering various initiatives that contributed to Nigeria’s digital transformation.
As Nigeria’s data protection ombudsman, Olatunji’s unwavering efforts and expertise have positioned him at the forefront of shaping policies and frameworks that align with international standards. His contributions have bolstered Nigeria’s and Africa’s standing in the global data protection landscape.
In a statement issued by the bureau’s head of media unit, Itunu Dosekun it was revealed that Olatunji has participated in numerous capacity-building programmes covering areas such as public sector management, project planning and management, digital transformation and data protection. He serves as a member of several expert committees and has represented Nigeria in various local and international engagements.
Olatunji has been honoured with several awards from both public and private sector organisations, including the GNC Digital Hall of Fame Award of Lifetime Recognition for Excellence, Achievement and Contributions to Emerging Technology for Development Initiatives in Africa in 2023. He was also recognised by IT Edge News Africa as one of the Top 50 Digital Economy Enablers in Nigeria in February 2023 and listed among the 100 Leading Telecom and ICT Personalities in Nigeria by the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria in April 2018. His outstanding commitment to the University of Lagos Alumni Association earned him an Award of Outstanding Commitment in July 2017. Additionally, he was presented with the Eminent Personality Award by the Ekiti State University Alumni Association in June 2018 and, in the same month, he was awarded a Doctor of Public Administration (HC) by the Ekiti State University.
