The Nigerian government, the European Union, and the German government have called for stronger data protection measures to create a digitally secure, inclusive and prosperous Africa.
The chairman, Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Sen. Shuaib Salisu made this known at the NADPA-RAPAP Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja. The event themed “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies.” was hosted by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) with support from its partners.
The policymaker highlighted Nigeria’s expanding role in global digital policy and innovation. He noted that Nigeria is setting standards through frameworks like the digital public infrastructure, aimed at securing and integrating digital technologies across governance systems.
Salisu announced that Nigeria is co-creating a national artificial intelligence strategy focused on job creation, digital inclusion, and sustainability.
“As we adopt AI and other fourth industrial technologies, we must recognize them as extensions of our human creativity, not threats,” he said. “We’re proud to co-create a national AI strategy that aligns innovation with inclusion.”
He also cited a $2 billion investment plan to expand broadband by deploying 90,000 km of fibre optics and announced Nigeria’s operation of the world’s largest technology talent accelerator, training 3 million professionals, positioning the country as a net exporter of digital expertise.
“We’re passing the National Digital Economy and E-Governance Bill to frame responsible governance in the digital space,” he said, adding that the Digital Trade Desk has been established to boost Nigeria’s digital exports.
The event marked the launch of a virtual academy for training Nigerians, including civil servants, private employees, and jobseekers, on data protection and cyber hygiene.
“Our storytelling culture will help drive awareness and understanding of data privacy,” Salisu said.
European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to helping Africa shape its digital future. She described the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as a global standard affirming that personal data belongs to individuals.
“The GDPR is not just law; it is a global statement of rights. Innovation must respect autonomy,” she stated.
Mignot stressed the EU’s goal to co-create a digital continent led by Africans. “Through our Global Gateway strategy, we are building trusted digital infrastructure and promoting democratic values.”
She praised Nigeria’s leadership in digital governance, describing the country as a key partner due to its population and policy direction.
The establishment of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, she said, demonstrates Nigeria’s resolve to enforce data protection laws.
She called for trust and transparency in shaping interoperable data protection frameworks that reflect African realities and global standards.
German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Günther echoed similar sentiments, underscoring the role of democratic values and institutional integrity in digital growth.
“Nigeria’s digital ecosystem is one of the most dynamic in Africa. It is powered by visionary entrepreneurs, reformers and a digitally connected youth,” she said.
Represented by the head of green and digital economy, Inga Stefanowicz emphasised that data protection underpins public trust, which is vital for sustainable digital transformation.
“Protecting data is fundamental to human dignity. Germany’s experience with privacy legislation can guide Nigeria’s approach,” Günther added.
She noted Germany’s collaboration with Nigeria through the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre, which works alongside the EU to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity and regulatory capacity.
Günther concluded by reaffirming Germany’s strategic partnership with Nigeria in promoting responsible digital development and innovation.
Welcoming participants to the conference earlier, the national commissioner of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji said Nigeria is focused on enabling a future-proof regulatory environment that supports innovation while advancing data protection as a fundamental right and a driver of trust in the digital economy.
Olatunji noted that, within a few years of the commission’s establishment, the data protection ecosystem has generated cumulative revenue of over $10 million and created around 23,000 jobs.
