Abuja was at the centre of a pivotal conversation about data protection and digital trust as stakeholders from government, finance, and technology gathered for Nigeria’s National Privacy Week 2026. The week’s activities culminated in a high-profile summit where Optasia, a global platform focused on artificial intelligence in financial services, took a leading role in driving discussions around responsible innovation and privacy by design. The summit acted as a timely platform for policymakers, corporate leaders, and tech innovators to explore how privacy protections can grow alongside emerging technologies in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital economy.
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Setting the Stage for Stronger Data Protection
The National Data Privacy Summit took place at the Transcorp Centre in Abuja, and it was framed around the theme “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation.” This theme resonated deeply with Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen data governance through the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), legislation designed to safeguard personal data and reinforce consumer trust across sectors.
In his opening remarks, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), emphasised that privacy is not merely a technical requirement but an essential part of building trust in the digital ecosystem. He described privacy as a constitutional right that underpins sustainable digital growth, noting that citizens must feel confident that their personal information is treated with care and respect.
For Nigeria, these conversations are critical. As digital services extend deeper into everyday life, data protection is increasingly linked with economic confidence. The NDPA provides the legal backbone for these efforts, but success depends on active engagement from regulators, businesses, and technology providers alike.
Optasia’s Role in Advancing Responsible Innovation
Optasia’s participation in National Privacy Week reflected a clear commitment to privacy by design and accountable use of AI in financial services. The company’s approach places data protection and ethical data use at the heart of its operations rather than treating privacy as an afterthought.
Operating in highly regulated markets around the world, Optasia brings a wealth of practical experience in embedding robust governance, data protection, and accountability into large-scale digital systems. Its services are delivered exclusively through licensed financial institutions and regulated distribution partners, ensuring that its technology meets both compliance standards and customer expectations for safety and trust.
Optasia holds SOC 2 Type II certification, an internationally recognised benchmark for security, confidentiality, and privacy. This certification signals that the company’s systems undergo rigorous evaluation and meet strict industry standards for protecting sensitive information. In a landscape where data breaches can erode public confidence and expose firms to regulatory penalties, such assurances matter greatly.
During the summit, Optasia’s executive leaders shared insights into how privacy and ethics can shape the future of technology adoption. Chief Commercial Officer Uchenna Agbo highlighted that rapid digital growth brings with it heightened responsibility to safeguard the data that fuels innovation and inclusion. She argued that protecting user data with the same seriousness as financial capital is essential for fostering long-term confidence across Nigeria’s digital economy.
Cross-Sector Dialogue and Shared Solutions
The summit’s panel discussions provided a forum for deep engagement on privacy challenges and opportunities. Optasia’s Chief Technology and Innovation Officer, Antoine Chatzistamatiou, spoke on building trust by design, exploring how ethical practices, privacy considerations, and accountability must be interwoven into emerging technologies. His session brought together perspectives from financial services and technology to highlight shared responsibilities for protecting personal data.
In another session, Optasia’s Chief Data and Risk Officer, Stelios Lelis, joined leaders from Microsoft and Stanbic IBTC to discuss balancing data-driven growth with privacy rights. The conversation focused on bolstering innovation without eroding individuals’ privacy, emphasising that robust data practices do not hinder progress but rather provide a foundation for sustainable digital development.
These panels underlined an important principle: solving privacy challenges requires collaboration across sectors. When regulators, technology firms, and financial services work together, they can develop strategies that protect individuals while enabling responsible innovation.
Looking Ahead for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
Optasia’s engagement at National Privacy Week was not just about sponsorship; it was about contributing experience and leadership to Nigeria’s broader push for responsible digital expansion. The company’s Nigeria strategy centres on four main priorities: privacy-by-design, responsible AI use, innovation without intrusive data practices, and strengthening partnerships within the licensed ecosystem.
These priorities align with the direction of the NDPA and the broader regulatory environment in Nigeria, where enforcement actions and compliance measures are gaining traction. For instance, initiatives like privacy readiness assessments are emerging to help organisations prepare for mandatory audit deadlines and demonstrate compliance with data protection norms.
The summit also drew attention to the critical role of local data infrastructure and sovereign data hosting. Sponsors and partners highlighted how secure, compliant local systems can bolster Nigeria’s digital resilience, support regulatory compliance, and build consumer trust.
National Privacy Week reinforced that data protection is not an optional add-on but a core element of modern digital ecosystems. Effective privacy practices can boost confidence, encourage economic participation, and attract investment, while failure to protect data can undermine growth and expose organisations to legal and reputational risks.
As the digital economy in Nigeria continues to expand, stakeholders must maintain momentum in shaping policies and practices that prioritise privacy, ethics, and human-centred technology. The conversations at National Privacy Week 2026 are a promising sign that Nigeria is advancing towards a data protection framework that supports both innovation and individual rights.
In the months and years ahead, the foundations laid at events like this one will be critical for charting a course toward a digital future that is inclusive, secure, and trusted by all Nigerians. Optasia’s participation sets an example for how global technology firms can engage constructively and responsibly in national privacy efforts.
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