NDPC engages UNODC on data protection compliance and security-related Data governance
Date: 2026-02-17
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has received a delegation from the
United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) during a courtesy visit aimed
at strengthening collaboration on data protection and governance practices.
The
delegation, led by Ulrich Garms, Programme Officer for Terrorism Prevention at
the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, commended the Commission for its
participation in previous UNODC initiatives. Discussions provided further
clarity on UNODC’s mandate, which spans international conventions on drugs,
terrorism, crime, and cybercrime.
Particular
attention was given to programmes designed to encourage individuals involved in
terrorist activities to defect, surrender, and reintegrate into society. Such
initiatives, officials noted, necessitate the careful, secure, and lawful
handling of sensitive personal data.
UNODC
reaffirmed its commitment to processing personal data in full compliance with
the Nigeria Data Protection Act and sought regulatory guidance on appropriate
data governance frameworks and potential areas of cooperation.
National
Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Vincent Olatunji,
emphasized that accountability and duty of care remain central obligations for
all data controllers and processors. He stressed that the rights of data
subjects must be upheld irrespective of their status, including individuals
considered vulnerable within security or rehabilitation contexts.
The
Commission outlined key compliance requirements under the Act and reiterated
its readiness to support institutions through capacity building and
institutional strengthening programmes.
The
engagement reflects broader efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s security and
counter-terrorism interventions remain aligned with established data protection
principles, legality standards, and respect for human dignity.
