By Nkechi Eze
In a bold step toward institutional digital transformation and enhanced data privacy, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a three-day strategic capacity-building workshop for its newly inaugurated Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT). The training, which took place recently at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, also served as the official inauguration of the team.
According to a statement signed by the ICPC’s Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, Mr. Demola Bakare, the initiative is a testament to the Commission’s commitment to building robust internal data governance systems, in full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDPA), and in alignment with global standards of information security and data management.
Representing the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, SAN, at the opening ceremony, Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, described the workshop as a groundbreaking initiative, the first of its kind in the Commission’s history. He stressed that the training was more than just a compliance exercise, but a strategic imperative that positions ICPC as a frontline institution in responsible data handling, transparency, and digital accountability.
“The Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 represents a significant national milestone in safeguarding the privacy rights of citizens. For an institution like ours, which deals with sensitive information daily, this is an opportunity to demonstrate leadership in data responsibility,” Mr. Oparaodu stated.
He applauded the efforts of the Data Protection Officers and encouraged all Data Champions within the Commission to engage actively in the training sessions, which are structured to equip them with technical and regulatory knowledge on compliance, digital forensics, and incident response.
Mr. Oparaodu also revealed that ICPC is working closely with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to advance anti-corruption initiatives through responsible data use, adding that partnerships of this nature will help embed data ethics and privacy principles into all areas of the Commission’s operations.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Data Protection and Information Security Management System (ISMS) Steering Committee, Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, fsi, described the development as a vital step toward institutionalising data protection practices within the Commission. She reiterated the Steering Committee’s mandate, which was established in 2024, to drive internal compliance with the NDPA and promote a sustainable data security culture across all directorates.
On his part, Mr. Bashir Adamu Dagaro, Head of the ICPC’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Unit, commended the leadership of the Commission for embracing data protection reform and charged all designated Data Champions to lead by example. He noted that the evolving digital landscape demands not just legal compliance, but also collaboration and innovation to stay ahead of cyber and data security threats.
“We must continue to foster a culture of security, compliance, and proactive digital response across all departments. This workshop is a foundation, but the real work lies ahead in how we apply what we’ve learned,” Mr. Dagaro stated.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law in 2023, is a comprehensive legal framework aimed at safeguarding the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the processing of their personal data. It mandates organisations to adopt best practices in data handling, breach prevention, and digital accountability, while offering legal remedies to victims of data misuse or negligence.
The ICPC’s move to inaugurate its DPIRT and host its first structured training underlines its proactive stance toward embracing this legislation not just in form, but in spirit and reinforces its broader commitment to institutional integrity and operational transparency.
