In January, the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) took a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s digital security landscape. A delegation, led by NiRA President Mr. Adesola Akinsanya, met with Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), at the NDPC Headquarters in Abuja.
During the meeting, Mr. Akinsanya commended Dr. Olatunji for his unwavering dedication to enhancing data protection and privacy in Nigeria. He emphasized NiRA’s role in overseeing more than 130 registrars using the .ng domain and highlighted the proactive training initiatives already in place to equip these registrars with the fundamentals of data protection. Mr. Akinsanya also underscored the need for additional capacity-building opportunities for both NiRA staff and registrars, reaffirming the organization’s steadfast commitment to supporting NDPC’s vision for a secure digital environment.
At NiRA, promoting data privacy is a priority, and the organization continues to implement various initiatives to safeguard Nigeria’s internet space. These efforts include training accredited registrars on Compliance & Domain Abuse Issues, delivering data protection and privacy training, and raising public awareness on these critical topics through extensive social media outreach.
In a gesture of collaboration, Dr. Olatunji extended an invitation to NiRA to partner with the NDPC in hosting the upcoming Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference, scheduled for May 2025. The meeting saw robust representation from NiRA, with key figures including Mr. Murtala Abdullahi (Vice President), Mrs. Busayo Balogun (Head of Corporate Services), Mrs. Uchechi Kalu (Abuja Admin Officer), Mr. Habeeb Wahab, and Mr. Olumide Coker (Dean of NG Academy).
This productive dialogue between NiRA and the NDPC underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in creating a secure digital ecosystem. By aligning our goals, both organizations are working to ensure Nigeria’s internet space remains robust, resilient, and ready to meet the challenges of an ever-evolving digital world.
As NiRA continues to champion data protection and privacy, this partnership with the NDPC marks a pivotal moment in our shared mission. Together, we are setting the stage for a safer digital future for Nigeria and the African continent.