Nigeria Data Protection Commission launches Technical Drill to enhance data protection

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has flagged off a Technical and Organisational Measures (TOMs) Drill aimed at strengthening data protection and cybersecurity practices among Information Technology administrators across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government.

The initiative is designed to enhance the capacity of IT personnel in safeguarding government digital infrastructure as Nigeria advances its digital transformation agenda and expands the digitisation of public services.

National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent O. Olatunji, said the exercise comes at a critical time when public sector digital systems are increasingly exposed to cyber threats and data breaches, underscoring the need for robust technical and organisational safeguards.

He reaffirmed the importance of data protection and privacy as provided under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, noting that MDAs have a responsibility to proactively strengthen their systems to ensure compliance and protect personal data.

Dr. Olatunji also highlighted that over 35 MDAs have already committed to full digitisation, stressing that the growing scale of digital government services requires stronger resilience and compliance frameworks.

He noted that compliance with the NDP Act within the public sector has improved significantly, rising from about 4 percent to over 20 percent, while urging continued efforts to achieve full compliance across all institutions.

Participants in the drill include IT professionals from key security and regulatory institutions such as the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), among others.

The NDPC stated that the exercise is intended to deepen technical knowledge, promote best practices in data protection, and strengthen coordination among government institutions in addressing emerging cyber risks.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to building a secure and resilient digital ecosystem that supports Nigeria’s digital transformation while strengthening trust in government digital services.