The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with MasterCard to enrol all of the company’s Nigerian employees in its flagship training program, the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA). This initiative aims to bolster compliance, promote ethical data practices, and foster trust within Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The comprehensive onboarding training extends beyond general awareness, equipping professionals with practical knowledge in personal data governance, lawful processing, cybersecurity hygiene, and upcoming regulatory requirements. MasterCard emphasizes that this effort underscores its dedication to embedding privacy and ethical data use as fundamental principles of its business operations in Nigeria.
Mark Elliott, MasterCard’s division president for Africa, described privacy as “a core pillar of digital trust,” noting that onboarding Nigerian staff to the VPA aligns with the country’s broader digital rights agenda. Derek Ho, MasterCard’s deputy chief Privacy, AI, and Data Responsibility officer, added that the collaboration aims to scale privacy knowledge in a manner that is both practical and impactful, ensuring professionals are better prepared to make ethical, informed decisions.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the NDPC, welcomed the partnership as a timely measure to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. He highlighted that the VPA is designed not only for financial services but also for professionals across various industries, with the overarching goal of cultivating a compliance culture that minimizes risks and enhances public trust.
The move comes amid rising concerns over data breaches in Nigeria, underscoring the importance of building a knowledgeable and responsible digital workforce. Additionally, MasterCard plans to expand access to the VPA beyond its employees, including vendors and suppliers, in accordance with NDPC guidelines, thereby broadening the initiative’s reach and impact in promoting ethical data practices nationwide.
