NDPC, Joint Revenue Board Partner To Strengthen Data Governance

By Ayo Susan

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, has approved a strategic partnership with the Joint Revenue Board (JRB) to strengthen data protection across Nigeria’s revenue ecosystem. During a working visit to the NDPC headquarters in Abuja led by Mr. Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary of the Joint Revenue Board, both institutions agreed to collaborate on capacity building, Data Protection Officer (DPO) certification, sector-specific guidelines and the establishment of a joint technical working group. Olatunji also approved the provision of 100 Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers, induction training and certification programmes to support implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

DECISION HIGHLIGHT

The NDPC is extending data protection from regulatory compliance to institutional governance by embedding privacy standards within Nigeria’s revenue administration through structured inter-agency collaboration and professional capacity development.

DECISION MEMO

The partnership reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s data governance architecture. Rather than relying primarily on enforcement, the NDPC is increasingly pursuing institutional compliance through sector-specific partnerships that integrate privacy management into public administration.

The revenue ecosystem presents one of the country’s largest concentrations of personal and financial data. Consequently, improving governance within revenue institutions has implications beyond regulatory compliance, extending to public trust, digital service delivery and institutional accountability.

Receiving the delegation, Dr Olatunji commended the Joint Revenue Board’s engagement with the commission.

“I want to commend the JRB for its proactive engagement with the commission and its commitment to fostering a culture of data protection and privacy within Nigeria’s revenue ecosystem.”

He further noted that, “As an institution established to strengthen coordination across revenue-generating agencies, the JRB plays a critical role in building public trust and confidence through responsible data governance.”

According to Olatunji, discussions centred on capacity building through the Virtual Privacy Academy, induction training, certification programmes for Data Protection Officers, the development of sector-specific guidelines and the establishment of a joint technical working group.

He emphasised the strategic importance of compliance within the revenue sector. “Given the significant volume of personal data processed across the revenue sector, compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act) remains essential. Data protection is a cross-cutting imperative that requires strong partnerships across sectors to ensure accountability, transparency, and trust.”

The commission subsequently approved the JRB’s requests. “I am pleased to affirm the Commission’s commitment to this partnership and approved the JRB’s requests, including the provision of 100 VPA vouchers, induction training, certification programmes, and the establishment of a joint technical working group to drive the implementation of our shared objectives.”

Olatunji concluded: “Together, we will continue to strengthen data protection practices across Nigeria’s revenue ecosystem and advance a trusted digital economy for all.”

The initiative demonstrates that the NDPC is positioning data protection as governance infrastructure rather than merely a legal obligation. By focusing on institutional capacity, technical coordination and professional certification, the Commission is attempting to improve compliance before enforcement becomes necessary.

DATA BOX

• Lead institution: Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
• Partner institution: Joint Revenue Board.
• Meeting location: NDPC Headquarters, Abuja.
• Lead officials:
  • Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, NDPC.
  • Mr Olusegun Adesokan, Executive Secretary, Joint Revenue Board.
• Legal framework: Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
• Approved initiatives:
  • 100 Virtual Privacy Academy vouchers.
  • Induction training.
  • Data Protection Officer certification programmes.
  • Sector-specific data protection guidelines.
  • Joint technical working group.
• Strategic focus:
  • Revenue sector data governance.
  • Institutional capacity building.
  • Regulatory compliance.
  • Public trust.

WHO WINS / WHO LOSES

Winners

• Revenue-generating agencies strengthening data governance.
• Citizens whose personal data are processed within the revenue ecosystem.
• Data Protection Officers through expanded professional certification.
• Government institutions seeking stronger digital governance and public confidence.

Losers

• Institutions maintaining weak data governance practices.
• Organisations exposed to higher compliance and reputational risks through inadequate privacy controls.

POLICY SIGNALS

The NDPC is advancing a collaborative regulatory model that prioritises institutional capacity building alongside statutory compliance. Data protection is increasingly being integrated into public-sector governance, reinforcing privacy as a foundational element of digital government and revenue administration.

INVESTOR SIGNAL

The partnership strengthens Nigeria’s digital governance framework by promoting higher standards of accountability, transparency and regulatory certainty in one of the country’s most data-intensive public sectors. For investors, stronger institutional data governance enhances confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy, supports responsible data management and contributes to a more predictable regulatory environment for financial services, technology and public-sector digital transformation.

RISK RADAR

The effectiveness of the initiative will depend on implementation across multiple revenue agencies, sustained institutional commitment and continuous professional capacity development. Without consistent adoption of common standards, monitoring mechanisms and technical coordination, compliance outcomes may vary across the revenue ecosystem despite the new collaborative framework.