Abuja, Nigeria – In a significant move to equip its young population for the digital age, the Federal Government has officially rolled out the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program. Launched at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the initiative aims to train 5,000 youth by December 2025 and ultimately reach one million young Nigerians, positioning them at the forefront of the nation’s digital resilience efforts.
Themed “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth at the Frontline of Data Protection,” the YDPAT program underscores the government’s commitment to data privacy, youth empowerment, and fostering a robust digital economy.
Comrade Ayodele Olawande, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, described YDPAT as “a bold, necessary, and visionary journey to empower Nigerian youth in an increasingly digital world” during his keynote address. He acknowledged the dual nature of digital technologies, highlighting their potential for learning, entrepreneurship, and creativity while also recognizing the serious risks they pose, from identity theft to data exploitation.
The Minister pointed out a critical gap in the current landscape, noting that fewer than 5,000 certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) are operating in Nigeria. With over 500,000 data controllers nationwide legally required to appoint a DPO, Olawande emphasized the “tremendous opportunity for job creation for young, trained professionals” within the data protection ecosystem.
He further explained that YDPAT seeks to bridge the existing low awareness and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 among youth. The program will achieve this by training youth to meet industry demand for certified DPOs, raising national awareness on the NDPA 2023 and global privacy standards, and building a digitally literate, security-conscious generation. “This is about building a privacy-first generation, one that’s inclusive, future-facing, and globally competitive,” he asserted. The Minister also extended his appreciation to key partner, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), along with youth leaders, civil society, and development partners for their contributions to shaping the initiative.
Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, reaffirmed the Presidency’s full support, stating, “This collaboration sends a clear message: when institutions unite around a shared vision, young people thrive and Nigeria progresses. Enthusiasm isn’t enough, our youth must be equipped with skills that are adaptable, market-relevant, and future-proof.”
Representing the NDPC, Commissioner and CEO Dr. Vincent Olatunji shed light on the Commission’s broader capacity-building agenda. He highlighted the licensing of the Institute of Information Management to issue globally recognized DPO certifications, a move that will reduce reliance on foreign providers and strengthen local capacity.
Hon. Adedeji Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT, underscored the importance of data, describing it as “the new oil, and information the new currency.” He lauded the initiative as “a bold step toward realizing the objectives of the NDPA 2023” and commended the Ministry’s foresight in prioritizing youth in the nation’s digital future.
Mr. Olubunmi Olusanya, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging its Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDPC to train at least 5,000 youth by December 2025. He characterized YDPAT as “not just another training initiative, but the start of a national movement. One that positions our youth as champions of digital ethics, innovation, and resilience.”
A highlight of the launch event was the unveiling of the YDPAT Online Platform, a user-friendly digital hub designed to provide access to training modules, certification pathways, learning materials, and ongoing engagement opportunities.
In his concluding remarks, the Minister urged Nigerian youth to embrace the program. “You are not just beneficiaries, you are partners in shaping Nigeria’s digital future. Together, we will make YDPAT a model for Africa and beyond,” he declared.
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