NDPC seals strategic MoUs with BPP, NGF to strengthen public sector data governance

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has entered into strategic partnerships with the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) to enhance data protection and privacy across Nigeria’s public sector and subnational institutions.

The agreements were formalised through separate Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at embedding robust data governance practices in government operations.

Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, highlighting the critical role of data privacy in fostering trust and credibility within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

He described the partnerships as part of the Commission’s ongoing commitment to integrating global best practices into the country’s public procurement and state-level operations.

“Data privacy is a global imperative for building trust, confidence, and credibility within the digital ecosystem.

The NDPC remains committed to supporting the integration of robust data protection standards within Nigeria’s procurement sector,” Olatunji said.

Under the collaboration with the BPP, the NDPC will provide 50 Virtual Privacy Academy vouchers for staff training, aimed at enhancing capacity in data protection and privacy. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General of BPP, welcomed the initiative and proposed expanding training opportunities to cover the Bureau’s 453 procurement officers nationwide.

“We recognise that the unlawful disclosure of government information is a criminal offence. As we embrace technology, there is a growing need to strengthen safeguards for the protection of sensitive information,” Adedokun said.

At the state level, the NDPC signed a parallel MoU with the NGF, signalling a concerted effort to advance data protection frameworks across Nigeria’s federating units.

Olatunji commended the Forum’s leadership for its commitment to responsible data governance, noting that adherence to data protection obligations could boost investor confidence and attract foreign direct investment.

Abdulateef Shittu, Director-General of the NGF, described the partnership as “a strategic step towards securing Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and advancing responsible data governance at the subnational level.”

To ensure effective implementation of both agreements, the NDPC has established dedicated working groups with the BPP and NGF to develop actionable frameworks for swift execution.

The partnerships underscore Nigeria’s growing recognition of data protection as a critical enabler of public sector efficiency, transparency, and digital economy growth.