In a major drive to boost digital literacy and online safety among Nigerian youths, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development has partnered with fintech company PalmPay to train over one million young people in data protection and digital safety over the next three years.

The initiative, titled the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training Programme, was officially launched at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The programme aims to equip Nigerian youths with the essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Given that youths account for more than 70% of Nigeria’s population, organisers stressed the importance of the initiative in promoting trust, security, and innovation within Africa’s largest digital economy.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, emphasized the urgency of building a “privacy-first generation” that is inclusive, forward-thinking, and globally competitive. He also pointed out the limited awareness of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, which was enacted in 2023, and the need for more certified Data Protection Officers to support over 500,000 data controllers operating nationwide.

PalmPay’s Managing Director, Chika Nwosu, reaffirmed the company's commitment to data privacy, stating that safeguarding user information is embedded into every stage of product development. “Data protection is just as crucial as innovation in technology,” he noted. “Our goal is to protect user data while empowering young people with the skills to succeed in the digital economy.”

In addition to training, the programme will offer mentorship and internship opportunities to top-performing participants. This effort aligns with PalmPay’s wider youth-focused programmes such as the Purple Woman campaign and Passing the Baton, both of which have impacted thousands of women and youths across the country.

Plans are underway to extend the training to northern states, with the long-term goal of scaling the programme nationwide. The initiative is expected to significantly enhance digital awareness and prepare a tech-savvy workforce for Nigeria’s evolving economy.