World Data Privacy Day 2026: DKIPPI Hosts the 11th Edition in Lagos

Every year on January 28, the global community marks World Data Privacy Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of privacy, data protection, and responsible data handling in an increasingly digital world. As personal data becomes one of the most valuable assets in the modern economy, the need for strong privacy frameworks, ethical data practices, and public awareness has never been more urgent.

In Nigeria, this global observance takes on special significance as the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) prepares to host the 11th edition of its World Data Privacy Day event in Lagos, bringing together regulators, professionals, businesses, and policy stakeholders.

What Is World Data Privacy Day?

World Data Privacy Day originated from Data Protection Day, first celebrated in Europe in 2007 to commemorate the signing of Convention 108, the first legally binding international treaty on data protection. Over time, the observance evolved into a global movement recognized across Africa, the Americas, and Asia.

The core objectives of World Data Privacy Day include:

• Promoting awareness of personal data rights
• Encouraging responsible data handling by organizations
• Highlighting emerging privacy risks and solutions
• Strengthening trust in digital systems and technologies

As digital transformation accelerates, the day serves as a reminder that innovation must be balanced with accountability and respect for individual privacy.

Why World Data Privacy Day Matters More Than Ever

The digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly. Artificial intelligence, biometric systems, cloud platforms, fintech, health technology, and surveillance tools increasingly rely on large volumes of personal data.

Recent industry reports estimate that over 70 percent of global businesses experienced at least one data breach in the last two years, while regulators across jurisdictions continue to impose record breaking fines for data protection violations. These realities underscore a simple truth. Privacy is no longer optional.

World Data Privacy Day provides a platform to discuss:

• Data breaches and cyber security threats
• Regulatory compliance and enforcement trends
• Ethical use of emerging technologies
• Consumer trust and transparency

DKIPPI and Its Role in Data Privacy Advocacy

The Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) has consistently positioned itself as a leading voice in privacy education, policy engagement, and capacity building in Nigeria and across Africa.

For over a decade, DKIPPI has championed:

• Data protection awareness campaigns
• Professional training and certifications
• Policy dialogues with regulators and lawmakers
• Public and private sector engagement on privacy compliance

The 11th edition of the World Data Privacy Day celebration hosted by DKIPPI reflects its sustained commitment to building a privacy conscious digital ecosystem.

The 11th Edition of World Data Privacy Day in Lagos

The 2026 edition, scheduled for January 28 in Lagos, brings together a diverse audience including data protection officers, legal practitioners, technology experts, regulators, academics, and business leaders.

This year’s event is expected to focus on practical data protection challenges in Nigeria, particularly in light of evolving regulatory frameworks and increased enforcement actions.

Key discussion areas are expected to include:

• Compliance obligations under Nigeria Data Protection laws
• Organizational accountability and governance
• Data protection in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies
• Cross border data transfers and global compliance
• Building sustainable privacy cultures within organizations

Leadership Spotlight: Mr Tokunbo Smith

The event is convened under the leadership of Mr Tokunbo Smith, President of the Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI).

Mr Smith is widely recognized for his contributions to data protection awareness, institutional capacity building, and advocacy for stronger privacy standards in Nigeria. Under his leadership, DKIPPI has grown into a respected platform for policy dialogue and professional development within the data protection ecosystem.

His role as convener reinforces the importance of leadership in driving privacy forward, not just as a legal obligation, but as a societal value.

The Nigerian Data Protection Landscape

Nigeria has made significant progress in strengthening its data protection framework. Regulatory oversight, increased organizational awareness, and growing public interest in data rights are shaping a more accountable digital environment.

However, challenges remain, including:

• Limited awareness among small and medium enterprises
• Inconsistent compliance across sectors
• Rapid adoption of technology without adequate privacy safeguards
• Skills gaps in data protection implementation

Events like DKIPPI’s World Data Privacy Day play a critical role in closing these gaps by translating regulation into practical action.

Why Events Like This Matter

World Data Privacy Day celebrations go beyond symbolism. They provide real value by:

• Educating organizations on compliance requirements
• Empowering individuals to understand their data rights
• Encouraging collaboration between regulators and industry
• Promoting ethical innovation and trust

As data becomes central to economic growth, trust becomes the currency that sustains it. Transparency, accountability, and respect for privacy are essential to building that trust.

About DKIPPI

The Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) is a data protection and privacy advocacy organization focused on promoting awareness, education, and best practices in data privacy and information governance. DKIPPI engages stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society to support ethical and lawful data use.

Media Contact:

Tel: (+234) 802-303-0021
Data and Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI)
Email: info@dkippi.org.ng
Location: No 20 iyalla street alausa ikeja Lagos, Nigerian.

World Data Privacy Day on January 28 stands as a powerful reminder that personal data deserves protection, respect, and responsible use. With DKIPPI hosting its 11th edition in Lagos under the leadership of Mr Tokunbo Smith, the celebration reinforces Nigeria’s growing role in the global privacy conversation.

As digital systems continue to shape how we live, work, and connect, safeguarding privacy is not just about compliance. It is about trust, dignity, and the future of the digital society.