The Federal Government has urged stakeholders to prioritise the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and strengthen Nigeria’s data privacy regime, warning that unchecked technological innovation could undermine citizens’ rights and public trust.

The call was made by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Engr. Nadungu Gagare, at the opening of the Data Privacy Summit 2026, organised by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in Abuja on Wednesday.

Represented by the Director, National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Engr. Adetunji Adeyemo, Gagare said the rapid expansion of technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) has elevated data into a core asset of the modern economy, making the protection of personal information more critical than ever.

While acknowledging that innovation is transforming how people live, work and interact, he stressed that governments and institutions must match technological progress with strong ethical and regulatory safeguards.

“The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is committed to building an ecosystem where innovation flourishes alongside robust data protection frameworks,” he said.

“Trust is the currency of the digital age. Without it, even the most advanced technological solutions will fail to reach their full potential,” Gagare added.

He explained that public confidence in digital platforms depends largely on assurances that personal data is secure, noting that trust drives wider adoption of digital services, enhances inclusion and fuels economic growth.

According to him, the Federal Government, working closely with the NDPC, is strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding capacity building for data protection professionals, and intensifying public awareness of data rights and responsibilities.

Gagare also highlighted the expanding role of the data economy in national development, pointing to the rapid growth of sectors such as fintech, e-commerce and other emerging digital services, largely powered by data-driven innovation.

However, he cautioned that technological advancement must be pursued responsibly to prevent privacy violations and the misuse of personal information.

“Emerging technologies like AI must be developed and deployed ethically. Data privacy is a shared responsibility that cuts across government, industry and society,” he said.

He therefore called for deeper collaboration among regulators, industry players and civil society to harmonise standards and build a unified front that protects Nigerians’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation.

In his remarks, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on June 12, 2023, marked a watershed moment in Nigeria’s data governance journey.

He noted that the law formally established the NDPC as an independent regulator and positioned Nigeria as a growing force in the global data protection ecosystem.

According to Olatunji, Nigeria’s progress in data protection is attracting increasing international recognition, reflecting rising levels of awareness, compliance and institutional maturity across the economy.

He said the summit provides a critical platform to interrogate the delicate balance between innovation and privacy protection at a time of accelerating technological change.

Olatunji expressed optimism that outcomes from the summit would strengthen Nigeria’s data protection architecture and advance the country’s broader digital economy and innovation agenda.