The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, today commissioned the new headquarters of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja, describing the facility as a tangible demonstration of the visionary leadership of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and his commitment to building strong institutions that can support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, the Minister said the occasion represented more than the opening of a new office, but a reflection of the administration’s commitment to strengthening the institutions required to protect Nigerians and build trust in the country’s digital economy.

Dr. Tijani said, “Shortly after assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law, giving the NDPC the appropriate legal foundation and authority to protect the data and privacy rights of Nigerians. The President also directed Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government to comply with established data protection laws and frameworks, demonstrating that government must lead by example in upholding the standards it expects from citizens and businesses.”

He added, “In the early days of the Commission, it was difficult to ask an institution to protect the data of over 200 million Nigerians and support one of Africa’s largest digital economies without the institutional resources to do so. President Tinubu recognised this challenge and moved to solve it, approving the resources required for the NDPC to become properly operational and functional, while building towards becoming a sustainable institution in its own right. He also directed that an EFCC-recovered property be allocated to the Commission as its headquarters. An asset recovered on behalf of the Nigerian people has now been returned to productive use for the Nigerian people. That is reform made tangible.”

The Minister commended the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the Commission’s team for the speed and efficiency with which they delivered the new headquarters. He noted that approval for the property was given only about six months ago, yet the Commission has already established a fully operational headquarters. He also acknowledged the support of the European Union and other partners contributing to the strengthening of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.

Speaking at the commissioning, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said, “This new headquarters is a significant milestone in the development of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. It provides the institutional foundation and working environment required for the Commission to deepen its mandate, strengthen compliance with data protection laws and continue building trust in Nigeria’s digital economy. As the use of data and digital technologies expands, we remain committed to protecting the rights of Nigerians and supporting responsible innovation across the country.”

The Minister stressed that the importance of the NDPC will continue to grow as Nigeria’s digital economy expands, government services become increasingly digital, businesses use data to create value, and artificial intelligence becomes more deeply embedded in the economy and society. He said the new headquarters marks the beginning of the Commission’s next chapter, characterised by a stronger institution, a clearer mandate, better resources and a permanent home. Dr. Tijani congratulated Dr. Olatunji, the entire NDPC team, its partners and everyone who contributed to the delivery of the new headquarters, while expressing appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his consistent support for the Commission and the broader reforms shaping Nigeria’s digital economy.