Telecom
NDPC Rallies Journalists on the Opportunities Inherent in National Data Protection Sector
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has urged journalists covering ICT sector, under the aegis of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) to take advantage of the opportunities inherent in the National Data Protection sector.
Dr. Olatunji made this call during a capacity building workshop organised by the National Data Protection Commission for members of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), held on Tuesday in Lagos.
The national commissioner noted that the sector is a job creating sector, he thereby urged members of the media covering the activities of the commission to be conscious of the opportunities inherent for them.
He stated that journalist while creating awareness on the importance of Data protection should also consider a second career as Data Protection Officers (DPO).
He said that the President had said that he would create one million digital jobs but the NDPC alone would create 500,000 jobs in digital space.
According to him, “with the high rate of unemployed youths, this is a new job area. A new sector contributing to the Gross Domestic Products (GDP) in the country.
“In Nigeria we are talking about the data of 200m people in the country and have over 500,000 Data processors and controllers.
“Whereas those certified in data privacy are about 100,000 leaving a gap of over 400,000 which is really dangerous.
“As agents we want to protect their data and their interests and the qualified DPOs are not up to 10,000 we do not have enough skilled manpower that would serve as data protection experts.
“Journalist should think of having a second career in the sector and can work anywhere in the world go for further training, get certified which does not have anything to do with what one studied in the university,” he said.
According to him, “it is a whole new skill that is required so what we are doing today is to introduce you to the subject matter”.
He encouraged that the training should be taken seriously, noting that it has introduced a national certification body to make it easier for those who would like to become Data Processing Officers (DPOs).
He noted further that certifications alone does not confer to competence because the holder needs to learn more on the job.
Olatunji said that the Commission is happy that it is coming at this time and have learnt from the experience of others and also made its own laws very flexible to actually legislate and also catch up with basic technology.
According to him, Job and wealth creation is key to processing, that is what the commission keep saying and very soon portal will be opened for data processors and data controllers in Nigeria.
The National commissioner, said that the target is to build a globally competitive mark in data protection in Nigeria and that it has recognised journalists as a major stakeholder.
Olatunji said the journalists should take good opportunity to join because it is global and the same knowledge is passed in terms of objectives, principles.
He said that although peculiarities in terms of challenges; ecosystem levels of intellectual development, the level of Data protection literacy is being considered.
According to him; the task of the commission is huge and the commission cannot do it alone, this is where we need your cooperation in the area of advocacy we need you to help us create awareness of Data protection.
‘’We want all of us to create awareness, let citizens know that something new is happening in Nigeria and in Africa because we have the population’’.
Mr Chike Onwuegbuchi, Chairman of NITRA while appreciating the commission for the capacity training, assured of continued support from journalists.
Onwuegbuchi said that the training was insightful, timely and encouraged journalists while advocating for the commission, should consider a second career in Data processing.
Lebara Nigeria has become a member of the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) as it expands operations in the West African country.
The membership places Lebara Nigeria within a global network of more than 1,000 mobile operators, device manufacturers, technology companies and digital service providers.
Through the GSMA, the company will have access to industry research, technical standards, policy engagement and industry initiatives.
Lebara Nigeria said the move reflects its participation in the wider telecommunications ecosystem as it develops its operations in Nigeria’s mobile market.
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector plays a central role in the country’s digital economy, with more than 170 million active mobile subscriptions supporting services such as digital payments, e-commerce, education and healthcare.
Industry analysts say participation in international bodies such as the GSMA supports knowledge sharing and the adoption of industry standards.
Lebara Nigeria said GSMA membership will support its engagement with industry developments and policy discussions in the telecommunications sector.
The company said it remains focused on operating in Nigeria’s mobile telecommunications market as demand for connectivity continues to grow.
GSM Association is the advocacy and lobbying organization for the mobile communications industry, representing more than 1,000 mobile operators as full members and a further 400 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem as associate members.
Management of Vitel Wireless, mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has distanced the company from a fraudulent scheme operating under the name: “Vitel Shares Services.”
In an official statement, the management clarified that Vitel Wireless is not selling shares or running any investment schemes.
They warned that the operators of “Vitel Shares Services” are using unauthorised websites, mobile applications, social media promotions, and bank accounts falsely linked to Vitel Wireless to mislead the public.
The statement reads: “The attention of Vitel Wireless has been drawn to a fraudulent scheme operating under the name ‘Vitel Shares Services.’
“We wish to state clearly that Vitel Wireless has no affiliation with Vitel Shares Services, or any platform claiming to offer Vitel shares, investments, or financial products through unofficial channels.
“We do not solicit investments through agents, social media, websites, apps, or third parties. Any platform claiming to offer Vitel Wireless shares or investments outside our official channels is fraudulent and should be treated as such.
“We urge the general public to remain vigilant and verify all information through official Vitel Wireless communication channels before making any payments or sharing personal data.”
Airtel Nigeria has concluded its second Customer Forum in Abuja, bringing together a large section of customers including high-volume data subscribers, 5G customers, and key stakeholders in another landmark engagement aimed at addressing concerns around data usage, transparency, and customer experience.
The forum themed “Understanding Your Data and Taking Control 2.0.” aimed to strengthen trust in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. The session also featured inputs from representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Delivering the Keynote remarks, Dinesh Balsingh, CEO of Airtel Nigeria, who was represented by Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, emphasised that trust remains the most valuable currency in telecommunications, and Airtel remains committed to strengthening customer confidence through transparency and continuous engagement.
He explained that discussions around data consumption have become increasingly important as digital lifestyles evolve, with smartphones, cloud services, video streaming and emerging artificial intelligence applications significantly influencing data usage patterns.
According to him, Airtel recently introduced the Airtel Data Calculator, an innovative tool designed to help customers estimate their data needs based on online activities such as multimedia streaming, video calls, social media usage, and gaming.
“The purpose of the Airtel Data Calculator is to provide greater visibility, support informed decision-making and place more information directly in the hands of customers. Because transparency should never be viewed as a compliance exercise. Transparency is good business,” he stated.
He further reassured customers that Airtel has no incentive to shortchange subscribers through inaccurate billing, forced spending or unnecessary data depletion, stressing that the company’s growth depends on customer satisfaction, loyalty and trust.
Adeniran also highlighted Airtel’s continued investments in network infrastructure, fibre capacity, digital platforms, artificial intelligence capabilities, customer service systems and workforce development, noting that these investments are aimed at improving service quality and enhancing customer experiences.
Oladokun Oye, Director, Customer Experience, Airtel Nigeria, while welcoming participants to the event, said the forum was created to provide customers with an open platform for education, engagement and problem-solving, noting that the customer remains at the centre of Airtel’s business.
“Data has become central to everyday life, powering work, education, commerce, entertainment, healthcare and countless opportunities. As data usage grows, so too does the desire for greater visibility and understanding.
Today’s conversation is part of an ongoing journey. A journey toward greater transparency. A journey toward deeper understanding. And a journey toward a better customer experience for every Airtel subscriber,” he said.
The forum also featured practical demonstrations on data consumption management, device settings, and usage habits that impact data usage. It also included an interactive session by which Airtel teams provided clarifications and offered feedback to customers.
The Abuja event follows the successful maiden edition held earlier this year in Lagos and aligns with broader industry efforts led by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to improve consumer awareness, transparency, and confidence within the telecommunications sector.
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