NPERA Seeks Strategic Partnership With NDPC To Strengthen Data Privacy, Security In Port Economic Regulation
NPERA Seeks Strategic Partnership With NDPC To Strengthen Data Privacy, Security In Port Economic Regulation
By Success Okezie
The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has called for a stronger strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enhance data privacy, security and responsible data governance in the nation’s port economic regulatory sector.
Dr. Akutah made the call on Thursday when the National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, led his management team on a courtesy visit to NPERA’s Abuja Liaison Office.
The NPERA boss described the proposed partnership between the two agencies as timely and imperative, noting that data has become the lifeblood of modern port economic regulation and institutional effectiveness.
According to him, as NPERA expands its regulatory mandate, there is a compelling need for a deeper understanding of data privacy principles, robust information security systems and best practices in data management to support efficient and transparent regulatory operations.
He stressed that closer cooperation with the NDPC would significantly strengthen NPERA’s capacity to handle sensitive data responsibly, ensure compliance with national data protection laws, and build public confidence in its regulatory processes.
“Our operations are increasingly data-driven. Collaborating with the NDPC will help us build a more secure, compliant and efficient framework for managing data in line with global best practices,” Dr. Akutah noted.
Earlier in his remarks, Dr. Olatunji congratulated NPERA on its successful transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, describing the evolution as a major milestone that repositions the Agency for greater regulatory impact in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He explained that the NDPC is mandated to safeguard personal data, enforce data protection standards and promote a culture of privacy and compliance across both public and private sector organisations.
Dr. Olatunji reiterated the Commission’s commitment to supporting government agencies to institutionalize data protection and accountability in their operations.
The courtesy visit provided a strategic platform for both agencies to explore areas of mutual interest, including data privacy, information security, capacity building and the responsible use of data to drive institutional efficiency and regulatory effectiveness.
Stakeholders say the proposed collaboration is expected to lay the foundation for a more secure, efficient and data-driven regulatory framework, in line with NPERA’s mandate to regulate, promote efficiency
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