The National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, received a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters. The delegation was led by the Programme Officer, Terrorism Prevention, Mr Ulrich Garms.
Mr Garms commended the NDPC, under the leadership of Dr Olatunji, for its participation in UNODC’s previous programme. He provided an overview of UNODC’s mandate, noting that the organisation oversees international conventions relating to drugs, terrorism, crime, and cybercrime.
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He further explained that UNODC implements programmes aimed at encouraging terrorists to defect, surrender, and lay down their weapons. During these interventions, personal data is collected as part of the rehabilitation and reintegration process.
Mr Garms stated that UNODC intends to process such data in strict compliance with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023. He added that the purpose of the visit was to seek the Commission’s guidance on the appropriate handling of personal data and to explore potential areas of collaboration.
In his response, Dr Olatunji acknowledged UNODC’s efforts in tackling terrorism-related crimes and violence in Nigeria. He emphasised that accountability and duty of care remain fundamental obligations for data controllers and processors.
He also noted that although the data subjects whose information is being processed may be considered vulnerable, their rights must be fully respected and upheld in accordance with the law.
Dr Olatunji further outlined the necessary steps for compliance with the NDP Act and concluded by reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting UNODC, particularly in the area of capacity building.
