NDPC Honours Tokunbo Smith for Exceptional Contributions to Data Privacy in Nigeria

Tokunbo Smith, President of DKIPPI, Receives Prestigious Award for Collaboration and Unwavering Support in Promoting Data Privacy in Nigeria

In a remarkable celebration of leadership, dedication, and national impact, Tokunbo Smith, President of the Data and Knowledge Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), was honoured with a prestigious award for Collaboration and Unwavering Support in Promoting Data Privacy and Protection in Nigeria by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The award was presented during the Data Privacy Award Night, held on February 4, 2026, at the iconic Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its data protection ecosystem.

A Night of Excellence in Data Protection Advocacy

The Data Privacy Award Night brought together top government officials, regulators, policymakers, cybersecurity experts, legal practitioners, data protection officers, technology leaders, and privacy advocates from across Nigeria. The event served as a platform to recognize individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to advancing data protection awareness, compliance, and ethical data governance.

Among the honorees, Tokunbo Smith stood out for his exceptional leadership and tireless advocacy, which have significantly contributed to shaping Nigeria’s data privacy landscape.

Recognition of Outstanding Leadership and Impact

Presenting the award, representatives of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) highlighted Tokunbo Smith’s consistent collaboration, unwavering support, and strategic contributions toward promoting data privacy culture, strengthening regulatory compliance, and supporting nationwide awareness initiatives.

According to the NDPC, Smith’s work through DKIPPI has played a vital role in:

• Advancing public awareness on data protection rights and responsibilities
• Supporting NDPC’s regulatory objectives
• Encouraging organizational compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA)
• Fostering partnerships between public and private sector stakeholders
• Promoting ethical data processing and cybersecurity best practices

The Commission commended his commitment to building a safer digital environment for Nigerians, describing his contributions as both impactful and transformative.

A Champion of Data Privacy in Nigeria

As President of DKIPPI, Tokunbo Smith has emerged as a leading voice in Nigeria’s data protection and privacy advocacy movement. Under his leadership, DKIPPI has consistently driven initiatives aimed at educating businesses, institutions, and individuals on the importance of protecting personal data in an increasingly digital world.

His advocacy spans across:

• Data protection training and capacity building
• Public sensitization campaigns
• Policy engagement and stakeholder collaboration
• Corporate compliance advisory
• Youth and professional development in privacy and cybersecurity

Through these efforts, Smith has helped elevate national conversations around privacy rights, cybersecurity resilience, and digital trust, positioning Nigeria as a growing force in Africa’s data protection ecosystem.

Tokunbo Smith’s Acceptance Remarks

In his acceptance speech, Tokunbo Smith expressed deep gratitude to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission for the recognition, describing the award as both an honour and a renewed call to service.

“This award is a powerful reminder that protecting data is protecting people. I dedicate this recognition to the entire DKIPPI team, our partners, and every stakeholder who believes in building a safer digital Nigeria. Together, we will continue to promote awareness, strengthen compliance, and uphold the principles of trust, transparency, and accountability in data governance.”

He further emphasized the need for collective action, urging organizations, policymakers, and individuals to remain committed to safeguarding personal information in the face of rising cyber threats and digital transformation.

NDPC Reaffirms Commitment to Data Protection Excellence

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission reaffirmed its mission to build a resilient, trusted, and globally competitive data protection framework for Nigeria, noting that collaborations with passionate leaders like Tokunbo Smith are essential to achieving this vision.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to enforcement, awareness, stakeholder engagement, and continuous capacity development, ensuring that Nigeria remains aligned with global best practices in data protection and privacy.

A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Data Privacy Ecosystem

The award to Tokunbo Smith represents more than personal recognition — it symbolizes the growing momentum behind Nigeria’s data protection movement and the importance of visionary leadership in shaping its future.

As Nigeria continues to embrace digital innovation across government, finance, healthcare, education, and commerce, leaders like Smith remain pivotal in ensuring that privacy, security, and trust stay at the core of national development.

About DKIPPI

The Data and Knowledge Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting data privacy, cybersecurity awareness, and responsible data governance in Nigeria through advocacy, education, training, and strategic partnerships.