FG, LAGOS SEEK STRONGER PARTNERSHIP ON DATA PROTECTION

The Federal Government and Lagos State have called for closer cooperation between regulators, businesses and public institutions to protect personal information and strengthen trust in digital services.

Speaking at the Data Protection Africa Summit in Lagos, Nigeria Data Protection Commission National Commissioner Dr Vincent Olatunji said the volume of information processed across the country made collaboration essential.

He stressed that organisations collecting or processing personal data must understand their responsibilities and remain accountable for how they use it.

“Organisations must be accountable for how they handle personal information,” he said.

Olatunji also called for greater public awareness, training and knowledge sharing, noting that many Nigerians were still becoming familiar with privacy rights.

Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State technology adviser Ganiyu Oseni said protecting information was central to maintaining confidence in government services.

He explained that residents who provide personal details for services such as residence and land registration expect institutions to keep that information secure.

According to him, responsible data handling can support innovation, investment and economic activity.

Africa Digital Rights’ Hub Executive Director Teki Akuetteh urged regulators across the continent to cooperate on cross-border data transfers.

She said differences in national laws and their interpretation could complicate business transactions, making common approaches and trust between regulators important.

Traditional ruler Oba Olufolarin Ogunsanwo also encouraged universities and community leaders to promote privacy awareness.

He urged stakeholders to take campaigns beyond formal institutions and communicate in local languages so more people could understand how their information should be protected.