The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to strengthen journalists’ capacity in data protection and digital security amid rising cyber threats.
The collaboration was formalised during a high-level courtesy visit by an NUJ delegation led by its Chairman, Grace Ike, to the leadership of the NDPC in Abuja.
Speaking during the engagement, Ike underscored the central role of data in modern journalism, warning that poor handling of information could undermine public trust and democratic processes.
“In today’s world, data is power. Data shapes narratives. Data drives governance. Data influences elections. Data can build trust and it can also destroy reputations,” she said. “As journalists, we sit at the intersection of information and public trust.”
Ike noted that journalists constantly collect, process and publish data, often including sensitive personal information, at a time when cyber threats, digital surveillance and misinformation are growing rapidly.
“This is why our visit today is strategic,” she added. “We are here to seek partnership—specifically in the area of capacity building and training for journalists within the FCT and beyond.”
According to her, journalists must be fully conversant with Nigeria’s data protection laws and policies, equipped to handle personal and sensitive data responsibly, and trained to protect their devices, sources and newsroom systems from cyberattacks.
“A journalist who does not understand data protection in this era is vulnerable, and a vulnerable journalist weakens democracy,” Ike said. “The media must not only report on data protection compliance; we must embody it.”
She explained that the proposed collaboration would expose journalists to Nigeria’s data policy framework, provide practical guidance on lawful data handling, promote digital security best practices and strengthen newsroom resilience against cyber threats.
Ike also commended the NDPC under the leadership of Vincent Olatunji for its strides in data governance and privacy protection, noting that better-informed journalists would be more effective in reporting without breaching privacy rights.
Responding, Olatunji praised the NUJ FCT Council for the initiative, stressing that awareness creation remains central to the Commission’s mandate.
“Media is the Fourth Estate, and awareness is never too much,” he said, referencing ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework.
He recalled recent engagements with journalists in Lagos and Abuja during National Privacy Week and noted that, beyond promoting compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, journalists could also help spotlight emerging career opportunities within the data protection ecosystem.
On behalf of the Commission, Olatunji pledged to organise a one-day induction training for NUJ FCT members and offered free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers, as well as slots in NDPC’s certification programmes, as part of the broader collaboration.
Highlighting the Commission’s achievements, Olatunji disclosed that the NDPC has generated ₦16.2 billion in revenue, with ₦7.2 billion remitted to the Federal Government, hosted delegations from eight countries and led large-scale Global Privacy Week trainings in Lagos.
“We’re ready to leave a legacy,” he said, adding that follow-up meetings would be held to develop a blueprint for rural penetration and expanded nationwide awareness.
Stakeholders say the partnership signals a major step toward safer digital journalism in Nigeria, promising empowered reporters, stronger data governance and enhanced protection for media professionals operating in an increasingly complex digital environment.
[2/19, 1:56 PM] rosewendy: NUJ FCT, NDPC Seal Partnership to Train Journalists on Data Protection, Digital Security
