By Peter Omopo
The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has expressed interest in partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to promote data privacy and protection awareness across the country.
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja.
Olatunji said the proposed collaboration would enhance digital skills acquisition among Corps Members and position them for opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
He revealed that the Commission has identified about 500,000 data processors and controllers nationwide who would require the services of certified Data Protection Officers, describing the sector as one with strong employment potential that aligns with the Federal Government’s job creation drive.
Under the proposed partnership, the NDPC will provide free training for NYSC staff and grant access to its Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA). The plan also includes training and certifying 100 Corps Members in each state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory as Data Protection Officers.
Olatunji noted that, by law, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the Federal Government are required to process data in compliance with the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023. He commended the NYSC for being the most compliant federal agency in terms of data protection standards and praised its longstanding contributions to national development.
He further stressed the importance of safeguarding personal information in the digital space and advocated for the appointment of data protection officers in all NYSC formations nationwide.
In his response, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, described data protection and security as essential pillars for building trust in the digital economy.
Nafiu welcomed the proposed collaboration and pledged to integrate the training into the Scheme’s Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. He observed that while Corps Members are highly active on social media platforms, there remains a gap in data protection awareness, which the partnership aims to address.
Both organisations agreed to establish a joint committee to fast-track the drafting and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure effective nationwide implementation of the initiative.
