Nigeria has recorded another major milestone in digital governance as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) emerged Outstanding Data Protection Authority (DPA) at the 2025 PICASSO Awards Africa. The award, established by international data governance stakeholders, celebrates excellence in regulatory leadership, innovation, and governance across the continent’s data protection and privacy ecosystem.
The honour recognises the NDPC’s remarkable contributions to strengthening data protection, promoting compliance, and elevating Nigeria’s standing in Africa’s fast-evolving digital governance landscape.
The maiden African edition of the PICASSO Awards, held in Accra, Ghana, is considered one of the continent’s leading platforms for celebrating institutions and individuals championing reforms within the data privacy sector. This recognition underscores the NDPC’s commitment to safeguarding data rights and enhancing trust in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Receiving the award, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed gratitude for the recognition, reflecting on the Commission’s strides since the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in 2023. He highlighted the central role of the Commission’s Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model in building a robust and collaborative data protection ecosystem.
“This award is a testament to what is possible when government and relevant industry stakeholders collaborate towards a shared vision,” Dr. Olatunji said. “Our Public–Private Partnership model has allowed the data protection ecosystem to grow rapidly and sustainably. We are profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for providing Nigeria with a strong legal foundation to safeguard the rights of all citizens.”
He further urged Data Protection Authorities across Africa to remain committed to enforcing data protection and privacy laws, stressing that trust is the backbone of the continent’s digital future.
“The future of Africa’s digital economy depends on trust,” he noted. “Together, we must continue building systems that safeguard the rights of our citizens and strengthen our digital prosperity.”
Dr. Olatunji reaffirmed the NDPC’s dedication to advancing data governance, expanding capacity-building initiatives, and fostering a safer digital environment for Nigerians and the wider African digital community.
