Nigeria Launches Data Protection Academy to Build Digitally Secure Workforce

The Federal Government has launched the Data Protection Virtual Academy, an online learning platform aimed at equipping civil servants, private sector workers, and job seekers with core data privacy and cybersecurity skills.

The initiative, led by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), was unveiled during the 8th Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference in Abuja. It is the latest strategic effort to localize data governance training and elevate national compliance with global privacy standards.

“This is a bold and innovative step toward building a digitally secure and globally competitive workforce for Nigeria,” said Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijjani, while launching the academy.

The virtual training platform offers modules on data protection principles, regulatory compliance, and basic cyber hygiene — all delivered with accessibility in mind for a growing digital population. It aligns with the government’s broader vision to embed data privacy into the DNA of national governance and digital innovation.

Strategic Alignment with Tinubu’s Data Vision

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Deputy Chief of Staff Ibrahim Hadejia, reiterated that Nigeria’s data journey is now embedded in its national transformation agenda. He referenced the swift passage of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) signed by President Bola Tinubu just two weeks into office, signalling the seriousness of the country’s commitment.

“Our data protection ecosystem is now directly tied to the delivery of the eight presidential priorities,” Shettima said.

Since the 2019 implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), the country has steadily moved to institutionalize data privacy practices across public and private sectors. The new academy is designed to provide a foundational resource to sustain that momentum and address digital skills gaps.

NDPC Pushes for Continental Collaboration

Delivering a keynote at the NADPA conference, NDPC Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji emphasized that building a trusted digital Africa requires deep inter-agency collaboration and cross-border enforcement mechanisms.

“We must evolve NADPA into a central platform for continental data governance,” Olatunji said, urging stronger knowledge-sharing among African nations.

Established in 2016, NADPA aims to harmonize regulatory approaches across the continent. With rising concerns over foreign tech platforms and transnational data flows, African countries are now ramping up local capacity and pushing for a more assertive digital sovereignty agenda.

Meta Under Scrutiny Amid Rising Enforcement

The NDPC’s regulatory posture has toughened in recent months. The Commission confirmed ongoing investigations into platforms like TikTok and Truecaller over alleged data breaches. Meanwhile, tensions with Meta Platforms Inc. have escalated after the tech giant was slapped with a $220 million fine, triggering exit threats.

“We are choosing dialogue over destruction,” Olatunji said at a recent DPO workshop in Abuja. “Our job is not to escalate but to resolve. This is about political and economic stability, not just regulation.”

Despite the penalties, the NDPC says its strategy is one of engagement — a model that reflects its maturity and commitment to a balanced, sovereignty-respecting digital space.