By Abdullahi Inuwa
In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital resilience, the Katsina State Government is hosting the Northwest Data Protection and Privacy Training, aimed at equipping civil servants, private sector players, and the general public with critical data security skills.
The three-day workshop, held at the Katsina Directorate of Information & Communications Technology (ICT) Complex, is a collaborative effort between the state government and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The initiative is designed to advance data protection practices across the Northwest region, positioning Katsina as a hub for digital and cybersecurity excellence.
Speaking at the event, the National Commissioner and CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji—represented by Barrister Princewill Odinaka, Head of Enforcement—reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to protecting personal data.
He emphasized the significance of the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023, which mandates the protection of all personal data within Nigeria’s borders.
Katsina’s Director General of ICT, Mr. Naufal Ahmad, hailed the training as timely, noting the state’s focused efforts on digital transformation.
He revealed that four participants were selected from each of the six participating Northwest states, with Katsina fielding 20 participants as host.
Also speaking, Mr. Mustapha Shehu, the Coordinator from the Katsina State Development Management Board, described data as an essential asset in today’s digital age, stressing that its protection is as vital as life itself.
With Katsina at the forefront, the training signals a strategic leap towards a more secure and digitally empowered Northwest Nigeria.