The National Identity Management Commission (National Identity Management Commission) has partnered the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (Nigeria Data Protection Commission) to train and certify nearly 4,000 staff on data protection compliance and best practices.

The initiative, announced on Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja, is part of renewed efforts by the Commission to strengthen the security of Nigeria’s identity database and improve staff capacity in handling sensitive personal information in line with global standards.

Speaking at the briefing, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of NIMC, Dr Abisoye Coker-Odusote, said the programme reflects the agency’s commitment to safeguarding the National Identity Database, which she described as one of the country’s most critical national assets.

“As the custodian of the National Identity Database, we are entrusted with one of the most sensitive and strategic national assets; the personal data of millions of Nigerians and legal residents,” she said. “This responsibility demands not only secure systems but also a workforce equipped with the knowledge, skills and ethical standards to safeguard personal information.”

She explained that the training and certification programme is designed to deepen staff understanding of data privacy principles, strengthen compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, and improve data governance practices across the Commission.

According to her, the collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission demonstrates a shared commitment to building a secure and trusted digital ecosystem that supports innovation while protecting citizens’ rights.

She added that the programme will equip staff with practical knowledge in data collection, processing, storage, sharing, breach prevention, and incident response, while also reinforcing a culture of confidentiality and accountability.

“This initiative is not merely a training exercise. It is a strategic investment in institutional capacity, public trust and national development,” she said.

The NIMC boss further noted that as digital identity becomes increasingly central to access to government services, financial inclusion, healthcare, education and social protection programmes, safeguarding personal data must remain a top priority.

“Citizens must have confidence that their information is being handled responsibly, securely and in accordance with the law,” she added.

Also speaking, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, described the initiative as a major step in human capital development within the data protection ecosystem.

He stressed that no system, regardless of how advanced, can function effectively without adequately trained personnel.

“What we are doing here today is very significant because human capital development is key. No matter how robust your systems, policies or technology are, without the requisite skilled personnel, you don’t have much,” he said.

Olatunji noted that global experiences show that many data breaches are linked to capacity gaps in data handling, adding that the Nigerian initiative aligns with international best practices aimed at reducing such risks.

He described the training programme, which is expected to commence on Monday, June 15, 2026, as one of the most ambitious in the sector, covering staff across the country.

He also highlighted the certification component, explaining that participants will undergo structured learning designed to enhance professional competence and open up career opportunities in data protection and compliance roles.

According to him, the initiative could help develop a pool of certified professionals capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy and strengthening trust in public data systems.

The collaboration is part of the  ongoing efforts by both agencies to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework as digital identity continues to play a central role in governance, service delivery and economic inclusion.