Following the successful 2025 NADPA-RAPDP Conference and Annual General Meeting, held in Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) hosted officials from Somalia and The Gambia, who stayed back to learn and study Nigeria’s data protection framework up close.
This move highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s digital space, with the NDPC seen as a model for others.
During their extended visit, a major milestone was achieved: the NDPC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Somalia’s Data Protection Authority. The agreement covers areas like legal cooperation and information sharing between both agencies. It was signed by NDPC’s CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and Somalia’s DPA Director-General, Mohamed Nur Ali, at the Commission’s Abuja headquarters.
“This MoU is a big step forward,” said Dr. Olatunji. “It shows how African nations can work together to protect citizens’ data and build trust in digital systems.”
Meanwhile, The Gambia is also keen to partner with Nigeria. Chairperson of The Gambia’s Information Commission, Mrs. Neneh MacDouall-Gaye, praised the NDPC for its hospitality and praised the agency’s leadership. She shared hopes that her country would soon set up an independent Data Protection Commission and follow Somalia’s example by signing a similar agreement with Nigeria.
