The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Vincent Olatunji, has received a delegation from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The delegation was led by the FCT Council Chairman, Grace Ike.
Speaking during the visit, Comrade Ike commended the NDPC under the leadership of Dr Olatunji for its achievements so far. She stressed the importance of data protection and privacy, noting that the visit was aimed at seeking partnership and capacity building for journalists.
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She explained that equipping journalists with adequate knowledge on data protection would enable them to report responsibly without breaching individuals’ privacy rights.
“We are here to seek partnership and capacity building. Well-equipped journalists will better understand how to report news without breaching privacy,” she said.
Comrade Ike also requested that members of the NUJ be included in the Commission’s programmes, including workshops, seminars and other professional engagements.
In his response, Dr Olatunji commended the FCT Council for the visit and emphasised that the NDPC’s mandate thrives largely on awareness creation.
“Our mandate thrives primarily on awareness, and we have been actively promoting this, though there is still room for improvement,” he stated.
He highlighted the Commission’s recent strategic engagement with journalists in Lagos and Abuja during the recently concluded National Privacy Week, noting that collaboration with the media remains central to achieving compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
Beyond awareness, Dr Olatunji added that the NUJ could also play a key role in showcasing career opportunities within Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
On behalf of the Commission, he promised to organise a one-day induction training for the NUJ FCT Council. He also offered the Council free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers and a few slots in the Commission’s certification programme.
He expressed the NDPC’s readiness to work strategically with the NUJ, particularly at the zonal level, to deepen awareness and strengthen compliance across the country.
