The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council has partnered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as part of efforts to shield journalists against escalating digital dangers.
The pact was sealed during a high-level courtesy visit on Wednesday by the NUJ led by its Chairman, Grace Ike to the leadership of NDPC.
Ike noted that the council decided to seek the Commission’s support in training journalists on data protection to strengthen ethical reporting and safeguard public trust.
She emphasised that the partnership would bring journalists up to speed with Nigeria’s data policy framework, provide practical guidance on lawful data handling, expose journalists to digital security best practices and strengthen resilience against cyber threats targeting media institutions
Ike stated:“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.
“As journalists, we sit at the intersection of information and public trust. Every day, we collect data, process data, interpret data, publish data, and sometimes even protect sensitive data.”
She pointed out that the digital ecosystem is evolving rapidly, with cyber threats increasing, digital surveillance becoming more sophisticated, and misinformation spreading faster than verification.
Ike added: “This is why our visit today is strategic. We are here to seek partnership—specifically in the area of capacity building and training for journalists within the FCT and beyond.
“We believe journalists must be fully conversant with Nigeria’s data protection laws and policies, equipped to handle personal and sensitive data responsibly, trained to prevent digital breaches and cyber infiltration, and empowered to protect their devices, sources, and newsroom systems from digital attacks.”
In his remarks, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the FCT Council for the initiative, noting that the Commission’s mandate thrives on awareness creation.
He highlighted recent strategic engagements with journalists in Lagos and Abuja during National Privacy Week, stating that beyond promoting compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NUJ can also help showcase career opportunities within the data protection ecosystem.
He pledged to organise a one-day induction training for the FCT Council and also offered free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers and slots in the certification programme as part of a broader strategic collaboration.