In an era where data is a valuable resource, public trust in government and private sector data handling is essential. Building effective data protection frameworks enhances transparency and accountability, which are vital for increasing citizen engagement in digital services and governance.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) recently welcomed a delegation from Somalia's Data Protection Authority on a study tour, NDPC announced on September 3. The delegation aims to explore Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem and learn from its innovative models.

National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC Vincent Olatunji emphasized the growing importance of independent data protection authorities in the digital era. He also highlighted the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model adopted by the NDPC and outlined the commission's strategic roadmap for strengthening data privacy and protection in Nigeria.

The study tour covered a wide range of topics, including Nigeria's data protection laws, enforcement mechanisms, compliance frameworks, and efforts to raise public awareness of the importance of data security.

The Somali Ambassador underscored the need for knowledge exchange between the two nations. He noted Somalia's keen interest in learning from Nigeria’s experiences in data protection, particularly in legislation, enforcement, and compliance.

Somalia's digital ecosystem, while still in early development, is gradually advancing, with efforts like the Somalia Data Protection Act of 2023 which came into effect on March 23, 2023, with the signing of  Law No. 005 of 2023 to fill critical regulatory gaps.

This initiative aligns with the country's growing focus on data governance and is a significant step in its digital transformation. It will play a key role in enhancing digital literacy, governance, and engagement in global digital markets.

Hikmatu Bilali