Abuja: The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as part of a strategic move to shield journalists against escalating digital dangers. The pact was sealed during a courtesy visit by the NUJ Federal Capital Territory (FCT) led by its Chairman, Grace Ike, to the leadership of NDPC in Abuja. Ike said that the visit was to seek the commission’s support in training journalists on data protection to strengthen ethical reporting and safeguard public trust.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ike emphasized the importance of data in today’s world, noting that it shapes narratives, drives governance, influences elections, and can either build trust or destroy reputations. She stressed that journalists, who sit at the intersection of information and public trust, deal with data daily and sometimes protect sensitive information. With the digital ecosystem evolving rapidly, cyber threats are increasing, digital surveillance is becoming more sophisticated, and misinformation is spreading faster than verification.
Ike highlighted the strategic nature of the visit, focusing on capacity building and training for journalists within the FCT and beyond. She underscored the necessity for journalists to be well-versed in Nigeria’s data protection laws, responsibly handle personal and sensitive data, and be trained to prevent digital breaches. Ike reiterated the need for journalists to protect their devices, sources, and newsroom systems from digital attacks, emphasizing that a journalist lacking in data protection knowledge is vulnerable, which in turn weakens democracy.
The engagement aims to bring journalists up to speed with Nigeria’s data policy framework, provide practical guidance on lawful data handling, and expose them to digital security best practices. Ike commended the NDPC for its efforts in data governance and privacy protection, reiterating that well-equipped journalists would better understand how to report responsibly without breaching privacy rights.
In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NDPC, Mr. Vincent Olatunji, praised the FCT Council for the initiative, noting that the commission’s mandate thrives on awareness creation. He referenced recent strategic engagements with journalists in Lagos and Abuja during National Privacy Week. Olatunji stated that beyond promoting compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NUJ could also highlight career opportunities within the data protection ecosystem.
Olatunji pledged that the commission would organize a one-day induction training for the FCT Council and offered free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers and slots in the certification program as part of a broader strategic collaboration. He acknowledged the critical role of the media as the fourth estate, emphasizing that awareness is never too much and referencing ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework.
The pact is expected to empower reporters, ensure stronger data governance, and create a safer digital Nigeria where responsible journalism can thrive without fear of cyber threats.