Nigeria Partners with Finland to Boost Cybersecurity and Data Protection Standards (Pictures below)

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) continues to reinforce its global partnerships in advancing digital trust, cybersecurity, and data governance. In a recent development, the Commission—through its Head of Research and Development Department, Dr. Tolulope Pius-Fadipe—received a delegation of Finnish cybersecurity experts led by Ms. Maria Ruuskanen, Trade Officer at the Embassy of Finland.

This high-level engagement forms part of the ongoing AU–EU Data Governance in Africa Initiative, which seeks to promote harmonized, secure, and inclusive data practices across the continent.

Focus of the Meeting

The meeting centered on a collaborative project under the AU–EU Data Governance in Africa Initiative, implemented by Gofore Ltd. (Finland) in cooperation with HAUS (Finland) and GIZ (Germany).

Nigeria is one of the focus countries, alongside Tanzania, South Africa, Rwanda, and Senegal. The project’s goal is to:

• Develop cybersecurity guidelines for data centres.
• Provide training materials and evaluation tools.
• Strengthen resilience across Africa’s digital infrastructure.
• Align national frameworks with both African and international standards for data protection and cybersecurity.

Key Discussion Points

During the strategic dialogue, the NDPC and the Finnish delegation explored several themes essential to Nigeria’s digital transformation journey.

1. National Priorities for Secure Data Infrastructure

Participants emphasized the need to bolster data centre resilience, promote digital trust, and ensure that cybersecurity frameworks align with Nigeria’s National Data Protection Strategy.

2. Policy, Regulation, and Data Sovereignty

The meeting addressed the delicate balance between data sovereignty, localization, and regional integration within Africa’s digital economy. The parties highlighted the importance of evidence-based policy design to promote cross-border data flows while safeguarding citizens’ privacy rights.

3. Public–Private Collaboration

Both sides underscored the critical role of collaboration between regulators, government agencies, and private sector operators in embedding cybersecurity best practices. Joint initiatives, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs were proposed as pathways to sustainable digital resilience.

Strengthening International Cooperation

The discussions also explored proposed cooperation between the NDPC and the Finland Data Protection Authority, including opportunities for knowledge exchange, training, and mutual support in data governance reforms.

Such partnerships reflect Nigeria’s growing commitment to global data protection standards, following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and the establishment of the NDPC as its regulatory authority.

Why This Matters

The partnership underscores how international collaboration can accelerate Africa’s progress in building a secure, privacy-centric digital ecosystem. By aligning with EU and AU frameworks, Nigeria positions itself as a regional leader in data protection and cybersecurity policy.

This initiative will:

• Improve data infrastructure governance.
• Support secure cross-border data flows.
• Enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
• Foster innovation and investment in privacy technologies.

Conclusion

The meeting between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and the Finnish cybersecurity delegation marks another milestone in Nigeria’s data governance journey. As the NDPC continues to engage global partners, its commitment to privacy rights, digital resilience, and responsible innovation remains clear.

Through collaborations like this, Nigeria strengthens its role in shaping a secure, inclusive, and privacy-focused digital Africa.