By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
In a landmark move that signals a firm commitment to safeguarding digital integrity within Nigeria’s public sector, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has launched a three-day strategic workshop for its newly formed Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT).
Held at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, the capacity-building initiative marked the first of its kind in ICPC’s history, aligning directly with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. The Act, signed into law last year, is a comprehensive legal framework aimed at securing the privacy rights of Nigerians and compelling institutions to adopt global best practices in managing data.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, who serves as Secretary to the Commission, described the event as a “landmark initiative.” He hailed the training as a vital investment in institutional excellence, reiterating the Commission’s proactive collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to foster ethical data usage in the fight against corruption.
“The Data Protection Act offers us the opportunity to lead by example in responsible data handling and transparency,” Mr. Oparaodu stated, commending the Data Protection Officers and urging the newly inducted Data Champions to make the most of the training.
The workshop also featured remarks from Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, fsi, Chairperson of the Commission’s Data Protection and Information Security Management System (ISMS) Steering Committee, who underscored the institutional strides already taken toward full compliance. She noted that the Steering Committee, established in 2024, continues to drive internal reforms on data governance and cyber-hygiene.
Also speaking at the session, Mr. Bashir Adamu Dagaro, Head of the Commission’s ICT Unit, emphasized that Data Champions will serve as “the first line of defense in ensuring a secure, collaborative, and compliant digital work culture.” He called for ongoing peer learning and synergy across departments to maintain a robust digital ecosystem within the Commission.
The NDPA 2023 protects data subjects by requiring lawful, fair, and transparent processing of personal data, providing avenues for redress in cases of breach, and establishing compliance thresholds for public and private data controllers.
The ICPC’s forward-facing step highlights the increasing centrality of data privacy in the Commission’s broader anti-corruption agenda and signals its readiness to lead by example in the digital era.
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FULL STATEMENT BELOW
INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES AND OTHER RELATED OFFENCES COMMISSION (ICPC)
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday 29th July, 2025
TOWARDS BETTER PERFORMANCE: ICPC BOOSTS SKILLS OF ITS DATA PROTECTION TEAM
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has kicked off a three-day strategic capacity building workshop and inaugural ceremony for its newly constituted Data Protection and Incident Response Team (DPIRT).
The capacity building training, which was recently held at its headquarters in Abuja, aimed to underscore ICPC’s commitment to strengthening internal data governance, ensuring compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and aligning with global best practices.
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony on behalf of the ICPC Chairman, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Clifford Okwudiri Oparaodu, DSSRS, described the training as a landmark initiative, being the first of its kind in the Commission’s history.
Mr. Oparaodu noted that the Data Protection Act, signed into law in 2023, is a major milestone in safeguarding the privacy rights of Nigerian citizens and offers institutions like ICPC the opportunity to lead in data responsibility and transparency.
The Chairman’s representative commended the Data Protection Officers for their leadership and encouraged the Data Champions to engage actively in the training.
According to him, the Commission was actively collaborating with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enhance anti-corruption efforts through responsible data use.
He formally declared the workshop open and applauded the efforts of the facilitators and the organising team as he wrapped up, wishing the participants a productive session.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Data Protection and Information Security Management System (ISMS) Steering Committee, Mrs. Grace Agha-Ibe, fsi, commended the initiative as a vital step toward institutional compliance with the Act.
Agha-Ibe highlighted the Steering Committee’s role established in 2024 in driving data protection standards within the Commission.
The Head Information & Communication Technology Unit of the Commission, Mr Bashir Adamu Dagaro, while expressing commendations for the landmark event, emphasised the essential role of Data Champions in promoting a culture of security, collaboration, and compliance across departments.
Mr. Dagaro further called for continued learning and teamwork in building a secure digital environment.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDPA) is a comprehensive law designed to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedom of data subjects, particularly regarding their personal information.
The Act aims to promote best practices in data processing, ensure data security and privacy, and provide remedies for data breaches.
Signed
Demola Bakare, fsi
Director, Public Enlightenment and Education / Spokesperson for the Commission
