NDPC Urges NPERA to Strengthen Data Protection Compliance

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has urged the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) to strengthen its data protection measures and comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, made the call when he led a delegation of the Commission on a courtesy visit to the Director-General and CEO of NPERA, Dr Pius Ujeyima Akutah.

Olatunji said the increasing digitisation of activities, particularly within an agency that engages with stakeholders locally and internationally, makes the protection of personal data increasingly important.

He noted that NPERA processes a significant volume of data and therefore qualifies as a data controller of major importance, urging the agency to adopt appropriate technical and organisational measures in line with global standards to protect the personal data in its custody.

The NDPC boss said stronger compliance with the NDP Act would help enhance trust and confidence among NPERA’s stakeholders.

To support the agency’s efforts, Olatunji offered free data protection training for NPERA staff, alongside vouchers for the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA), to strengthen staff capacity and improve awareness of data protection and privacy.

Responding, Akutah welcomed the NDPC delegation and acknowledged the importance of data protection to NPERA as a data-driven agency.

He described the visit as timely, noting that the integration of data across the marine ecosystem into a combined database makes stronger data protection measures necessary.

Akutah said NPERA already has internal processes for safeguarding personal data but remains committed to improving its practices and ensuring compliance with the NDP Act.

He also expressed appreciation for the training and VPA vouchers offered by the NDPC.