The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has emphasized the importance of data protection in humanitarian work during a visit to the World Food Programme (WFP) office in Abuja.
The National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, paid a courtesy visit to the Acting Country Director of the WFP, Mr Christophe Boutonnier, to discuss data privacy and compliance.
Speaking during the visit, Dr Olatunji said the Commission was at the WFP office to enlighten the organisation, as a data controller and processor of major importance, on the need to protect the personal data of its beneficiaries and personnel.
He noted that while the WFP is a United Nations agency, data protection and privacy remain global responsibilities for every entity that handles personal data. According to him, “compliance with data protection laws enhances credibility, and fosters trust and confidence among beneficiaries and stakeholders.”
Mr Boutonnier commended Dr Olatunji for the engagement and highlighted the scale of WFP operations in Nigeria.
He explained that the agency supports about 750,000 vulnerable Nigerians daily with food and cash assistance.
He added that the WFP fully recognizes the importance of data protection and privacy, stressing that the organisation has mechanisms in place to safeguard personal information in its database.
Mr Boutonnier also invited the NDPC to participate in WFP’s staff capacity-building workshops. Dr Olatunji accepted the invitation on behalf of the Commission, noting that it aligns with efforts to strengthen awareness and compliance. Both parties also explored other potential areas of collaboration.