At the opening of the Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja, the Nigerian Government has called for responsible AI use and stronger data privacy laws, stressing the need for collaboration between regulators, industry, and civil society.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, represented by Adetunji Adeyemo, highlighted the growing role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in driving Nigeria’s digital economy.
He warned that rapid technological growth without adequate ethical and regulatory safeguards could undermine public trust and citizens’ rights.
The government, working closely with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), is strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding training for data protection professionals, and raising public awareness about data rights. Gagare noted that trust in digital platforms is essential for adoption, inclusion, and economic growth.
NDPC National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, said the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law in June 2023, established the NDPC as an independent regulator and positioned Nigeria as an emerging leader in global data governance.
He described the summit as a critical platform for balancing innovation with privacy protection amid accelerating technological change.
Both officials emphasised that ethical technology deployment and strong privacy safeguards require cooperation across government, industry, and civil society. The summit aims to advance Nigeria’s digital economy while ensuring citizens’ personal information is protected.
