As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, ensuring secure cross-border data exchanges is essential. With cyber threats on the rise, international cooperation helps bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework, protecting businesses and citizens.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) announced on March 6 that it received a delegation from the UK Department for Business and Trade (UK DBT) as part of the UK/Nigeria Inward Cybersecurity Trade Mission. The delegation, led by UK DBT Country Director Mark Smithson and Deputy Country Director Morayo Adekunle, engaged in discussions on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation between both nations.
Representing NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, received the UK team. Dr. Olatunji, who joined virtually, highlighted NDPC’s achievements since its inception, emphasizing that cooperation and collaboration remain core strategic pillars of the Commission.
He underscored the importance of secure cross-border data exchange in the digital economy, noting that Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem is rapidly growing. He also revealed that NDPC generated approximately $1 million in revenue for the Federal Government last year.
Discussions covered enforcement mechanisms, human capital development, artificial intelligence challenges, and sustainable compliance strategies. Further engagements between NDPC and UK DBT are expected, laying the groundwork for enhanced cybersecurity partnerships and regulatory cooperation between Nigeria and the UK.
The data security market in Nigeria is expected to reach $4.11 million by 2025, with an annual growth rate of 9.70% leading to a market volume of $5.95 million by 2029, according to Statista. With data security becoming a top priority, international partnerships—like the UK-Nigeria cybersecurity collaboration—will play a vital role in knowledge-sharing and technology transfer. This can boost Nigeria’s credibility in global digital trade, making it easier for Nigerian companies to do business internationally.
Hikmatu Bilali
