Data is governing the world, a reality that is not imaginable, a key component in technological advancement, and must be protected, as no country or business will be taken seriously without an adequate data system.
The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), Dr. Adebowale A. Adedokun, FCIPS, ACFE, made this known as he welcomes a delegation from the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), on a courtesy visit to seek partnership with the Bureau on strategic implementation of data policies and protection to achieving national goals.
Dr. Adebowale emphasized that data protection is critical in our national economy and development agenda, especially in demography, population, health, education system, and various sectors, as well as future planning in different sectors. As no country will leave its data unprotected.
He said that BPP will work closely with NDPC to achieve our national growth in the area of data and capacity building and to improve on the procurement system. Adding that BPP will also assist by enforcing compliance as part of ‘Nigeria First’ Policy and as a secondary requirement in procurement procedures because it is not part of the Bureau’s minimum eligibility requirement.
The DG BPP advised on the use of a hybrid system for training in the area of capacity building in order to inculcate proper understanding of data protection, privacy, and policies across the board. There is a need to be dynamic in the approach to save lots of logistics and build confidence and trust in the security of people’s data.
The Pioneer National Commissioner/ CEO, National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the DG and the entire management of the Bureau as he seeks partnership with BPP to support the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and to push forward the growth of the country.
He stressed that, collaborating with BPP will help to deepen privacy in all MDAs, creation of awareness and training programme, establishing data protection officers, training of BPP staff on data protection and to ensure that the staff understands data privacy and policies, as he is committed to establishing a working group for the signing of memorandum of understanding that will help and offer value for both entities.
Earlier, Dr. Vincent stressed that NDPC is going digital as data is global, and technology is driven by data. He explained that NDPC is signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, on June 12, 2023, to protect the right and freedom of all Nigerians, protection of the nation’s data, and to help protect businesses in Nigeria. However, there are laws known as data protection laws, put in place as strict measures for data protection and compliance.
Both Agencies agreed to set up a team to work together for the signing of the MOU and capacity building as the visit underscored shared commitment to improving data management and protection in procurement functions and other sectors of the economy.
Signed
Zira Zakka Nagga
Head of Public Procurement (BPP)
14th June, 2025
