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Professor Garba Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has been awarded the Pillar of Support Award by the Nigerian Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in recognition of his continuous contributions to the Bureau’s development.
The award was presented during the release of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) Implementation Report for 2020-2023 at the NDPB’s first anniversary celebration in Abuja. The NCC also received the Institutional Pillar of Support Award.
Danbatta, who was represented at the event, expressed his gratitude for the recognition and reiterated his commitment to helping the Bureau protect Nigeria’s data and ensure privacy.
Other institutions under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, such as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), also received the Pillar of Support Award.
Prof. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, spoke at the event and highlighted the recent approval of the Data Protection Bill by the Federal Executive Council. This approval marks a significant step toward achieving full compliance with data protection laws. The NDPB report revealed that the sector generated N5.5 billion from 2020 to 2022 and created 9.5 million jobs during the same period. Additionally, the NDPR compliance revenue amounted to N94.4 million.
Pantami explained that the purpose of establishing the Bureau was not only to investigate and sanction non-compliant institutions but also to ensure full compliance with data protection laws. He urged both government and private organizations to safeguard citizens’ data and become advocates of the Nigerian Data Protection Bill, policy, and regulations.
He also noted that the Federal Government, under President Muhammadu Buhari’s leadership, has institutionalized virtual engagement. “President Buhari considers himself the founder of the Nigerian Data Protection Bill,” Pantami said. He added that the journey started in December 2019 when the President signed the subsidiary legislation, followed by the Bureau’s establishment and Mr. Vincent Olatunji’s appointment as CEO. Recently, the President approved the Bill, directing it to be sent to the National Assembly.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the NDPB, welcomed attendees and explained that the Bureau’s creation is in line with global best practices for personal data protection. He mentioned that the Bureau had trained over 100 data protection officers from various government agencies and emphasized the need for collective effort in positioning Nigeria for success in the global digital economy.
The event concluded with the presentation of Pillar of Support Awards to the Minister, NCC, NITDA, NIMC, and other institutions.
Chief Osita Okechukwu, Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), congratulated the NDPB on its first-year achievements and stressed that trust is key to the success of businesses in Nigeria’s digital economy. “The world has moved from analogue to digital, and it will never go back,” he said.
