The Nation Newspaper

Category: City Beats

  • Bello Turji ‘frees 32 hostages, surrenders arms’ in peace deal

    Bello Turji ‘frees 32 hostages, surrenders arms’ in peace deal

    • Army, Police: we are not aware of the development

    The notorious terror kingpin in the Northwest, Bello Turji, has reportedly released 32 kidnapped victims and surrendered some of his weapons.

    Musa Yusuf, an Islamic cleric popularly known as Asadus-Sunnah, reportedly broke the news during a religious event in Kaduna.

    Yusuf said on Monday that the gesture followed peace talks last month with Turji and other armed fighters in Fakai forest in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    He said the dialogue was initiated by residents of Shinkafi who appealed to clerics to intervene and persuade Turji to halt attacks and allow farmers access to their lands.

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    Yusuf said: “We met Mr Turji, Dan Bakkolo, Black, Kanawa, and Malam Ila. The speculation that Dan Bakkolo was killed is not true..

    “These individuals are responsible for the insecurity in the area, and they agreed to the peace proposals. We agreed that the Fulani must be allowed to go to town without being stereotyped or killed by the vigilante.”

    According to Yusuf, the terror kingpins surrendered some weapons in three stages and have allowed residents to resume farming in areas previously occupied by fighters.

    He added that Turji also freed 32 kidnapped persons as part of the deal and played a video showing the rough terrain the victims crossed on their way out of captivity.

    Yusuf said engagements are ongoing with Turji and his group to secure a total end to hostilities, noting that the clerics have been cautious not to demand a complete disarmament.

    He explained that doing so could leave Turji exposed to rival factions who are not part of the deal.

     The state police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, however, denied knowledge of the deal

    Also, the army spokesperson, Onyinyechi Anele, said the military had yet to be briefed.

  • Kwam 1 rejects FAAN’s claim on alleged boarding infraction

    Kwam 1 rejects FAAN’s claim on alleged boarding infraction

    •FAAN, NCAA: matter under investigation

    Fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, popularly known as Kwam 1 or K1 De Ultimate has denied claims by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) that he violated boarding rules on Monday at the Domestic wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, Abuja while trying to board ValueJet Airlines (Flight VK 201) to Lagos

      In a statement, Kunle Rasheed, Media Aide to K1 De Ultimate, said the Fuji maestro did not cause breach of aviation protocol but rather the incident was exaggerated and misleading.

    He said:  “At no point did K1 act in a manner that endangered lives or breached safety regulations. The substance in question — which was wrongly sensationalised — was nothing more than plain drinking water, given to him at the airport lounge while he waited to board the aircraft. Despite his respectful effort to clarify this, the situation was unnecessarily escalated.

    “Claims that K1 blocked the aircraft or attempted to disrupt operations are completely unfounded. The veteran artiste, who is globally respected and frequently travels both locally and internationally, understands and strictly adheres to aviation protocols.’’

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    Continuing, he said: “If indeed there had been anything inappropriate in his conduct, the Head of Airport Security, officials from relevant agencies such as FAAN and NCAA, as well as the Chairman and Managing Director of the airline, would not have reached out to appeal, tender apologies, and even go as far as arranging a private jet to fly him to Lagos — at no cost. Despite persistent persuasion from the airline’s top executives, K1 graciously declined the offer.

    “It must also be emphasised that K1 was the victim in this incident. No one else but him and his personal assistant was directly involved. A few concerned passengers who witnessed the incident firsthand appealed to him to remain calm, recognising the undue pressure he was under.

    “We urge the media and the public to avoid sensationalism and allow the truth — not assumptions — to guide their judgment. K1 remains a law-abiding citizen and continues to cooperate fully with all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is responsibly resolved.”

      But FAAN said the passenger attempted to carry an unidentified liquid substance on board despite repeated warnings from Aviation Security (AVSEC) personnel and Flight Captain.

     It added: “This matter remains under thorough investigation, and all parties found culpable will be held accountable according to the law.

    Also, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has started investigations into the incident.

    Its spokesman, Mr  Michael Achimugu, said the authority is looking at a report that Kwam 1 failed to adhere to the pre-departure clearance.

    He described the musician’s actions as reckless and could endanger the safety of ground personnel and other airport users.

     The NCAA spokesperson described the situation as one it views “with utmost seriousness,” prompting swift enforcement action against the flight crew.

    The carrier in a statement said the crew involved has been removed from duty, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

    K1 De Ultimate has clarified claims over unruly behaviour and insisting on flying with alcohol, noting that the situation was well misrepresented.

  • Lagos to Lekki residents: your borehole water contaminated

    Lagos to Lekki residents: your borehole water contaminated

    Lagos State Government has warned residents and property developers in the Lekki axis that boreholes drilled in the area are likely yielding faeces-contaminated water.

    The government said the contamination is the result of years of unregulated drilling of shallow boreholes, and absence of proper wastewater management in the fast-developing corridor.

    Permanent Secretary of the Office of Drainage Services and Water Resources Mahmood Adegbite, stated this at a stakeholders’ meeting, stating that many residents in Lekki are unknowingly consuming what can only be described as faeces-infested water.

    Adegbite said the practice of drilling boreholes without adherence to environmental guidelines has resulted in dangerous levels of water contamination in most parts of the Lekki peninsula.

    He warned that the groundwater has been compromised by proximity to septic tanks, poor drainage systems, and a high water table, making most boreholes a health hazard.

     The government’s warning is backed by findings from the Lagos State Water Regulatory Commission which in recent months has sealed several water factories in the Lekki area for failing to meet minimum sanitary and quality standards.

    Laboratory tests conducted on borehole samples from the area showed high levels of total coliform bacteria, unacceptably low pH levels, and other indicators of raw sewage infiltration.

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    Residents have confirmed these findings, with many complaining that their borehole water is brown, emits foul odours, and is unsafe for drinking or cooking.

    Some households have resorted to buying sachet and bottled water for all domestic consumption, while relying on tanker-supplied water for washing and bathing.

    The government has called on residents to desist from indiscriminate drilling of boreholes and to ensure that any borehole project is carried out in line with state regulations.

    Under the existing water laws in Lagos State, no borehole can be drilled without a permit from the appropriate regulatory authorities. The government also emphasised that drilling below the recommended depth or too close to septic systems increases the risk of groundwater pollution.

  • Suspected Enugu ritualist, two others arraigned

    Suspected Enugu ritualist, two others arraigned

    The Police yesterday arraigned Mr. Obi Levi Obieze and two other suspects on a seven-count charge involving several incidents of kidnapping and murder in Umumba Ndiagu and environ in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    According to a statement from Governor Peter Mbah’s media office, the suspects were arraigned before Osondu Chukwuani, Court 1, Enugu North, in Enugu, the state capital.

    Obieze, alias ‘E dey play e dey show’, was arrested at the Badagry-Seme border, Lagos while attempting to flee from the country, following his alleged involvement in abduction, kidnapping and ritual killing that rocked the Umumba Ndiagu community in May, this year.

    The charge sheet marked MEN/473c/2025 signed by the Prosecutor and Head of the Legal Team, Enugu State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Justice Attah, read: “That you, Obi Levi Obieze, a.k.a Ozo Ezeani/E dey play e dey show (male), Sabastine Emeka Offor (male), Odinwamkpa Ejike (male), and others now at large, between April 2025 and May 26, 2025, about 1800hours along Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: kidnapping and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

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    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Ukamaka, female, aged 13 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… and others now at large, on the same date, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did use personal violence and kidnapped Joy Miracle Udokamma , female, 31, thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 315 (2) of the Criminal Code (Amendment) Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, No. 14 of 2010.

    “That you… on or before May 21, 2025, at Umuojo Road, Ishiagu Village, Umumba Ndiagu Community in Ezeagu, within the jurisdiction of this court, did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit: murder and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 494 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria 2004.

    “That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Chimaobi Ezi, male, aged 15 years and thereby an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.

    “That you… on the same day, time, place, and in the aforementioned Magisterial District did unlawfully kill one Joy Miracle Udokamma, female, aged 31 years and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”

    The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the seven-count charge, following which the Magistrate ruled that the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP, review their charges, and through the Enugu State Jurisdiction, recommend a higher court since Magistrate Courts had no jurisdiction to try such capital offences.

    He adjourned the matter to August 20 and ordered that the accused by remanded in prison custody.

  • Facebook user docked for defaming actress

    Facebook user docked for defaming actress

    A Lagos Magistrate Court has arraigned a 37-year-old woman, Akanji Kofoworola, for allegedly using her Facebook account to publish, distribute or project articles and obscene content against a nollywood actress and businesswoman, Lizzy Anjorin.

    Kofoworola was brought before Chief Magistrate Wahab Balogun by the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan, Lagos, on a three-count charge  – conspiracy, publication of fake news, and defamation.

    According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Haruna Ibrahim, the defendant and several other bloggers who are at large, committed the alleged offences in Lagos between 2023 and 2025.

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    Ibrahim said Kofoworola published false statements, rumours, and obscene content targeting the actress on Facebook to damage her reputation. He said the actions violated sections 39, 57, and 150 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

    The charges against the Facebook user read: “That you Akanji Kofoworola ‘F’ and other Bloggers at large, from 2023 till date, somewhere in Lagos State in the Lagos State magisterial district did unlawfully publish, Statements, rumor about one Chief Mrs. Lizzy Anjorin on Face Book, a platform on social media, knowing, or having reason to believe that such Statements, rumour and report are false thereby committed an offence punishable under section 39 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

    The case was adjourned to August 21, 2025, for trial.

  • Daily Times mourns former Editorial Board member Doyin Abiola

    Daily Times mourns former Editorial Board member Doyin Abiola

    The management of Folio Media Group (FMG), Publishers of Daily Times Newspapers, has expressed sadness over the passing of its former staff and Editorial Board member, Dr. Doyin Abiola who died on Tuesday August 5, 2025, at the age of 82.

     Dr. Doyin Abiola was the wife of late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election which was annulled by the military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida.

    Doyin Abiola left Nigeria in 1970 and travelled to the United States to pursue a Master’s degree programme in Journalism.

     Upon her return, she was employed by Daily Times as a Features Writer and rose to become the newspaper’s Group Features Editor. 

    She later travelled again for her PhD and returned to Daily Times as member of the newspaper’s Editorial Board, alongside other notable and experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan.  

    In a statement Wednesday, signed by Dr. Fidelis Anosike, Chairman/Publisher, Folio Media Group described the death of Dr. Doyin Abiola as ‘shocking,’ saying she left at a time the media industry and the nation needed her wealth of experience the most.

    Dr. Anosike said that Doyin, who later became Managing Director/Editor-In-Chief of National Concord, was a consummate journalist, writer, advocate of social justice and champion of women’s rights, adding that, as the first woman editor of a daily newspaper in Nigeria, she was a pathfinder to women journalists in particular and an inspiration to the media industry in general.

    “It is with great shock and sadness that I have received the news of the passing of Dr. Doyin Abiola, a former Features Writer with Daily Times Newspapers who rose to the position of Group Features Editor and subsequently, a member of its Editorial Borad.

    “As at the 70s, it was big news for a woman to hold such top position in the nation’s media industry and Doyin, in deed, distinguished herself and rose to the topmost of the Features Desk.

    “That she later moved on to become the first woman editor of a daily newspaper of Nigeria, was a loud testimony of the stuff she was made of, as a committed professional.

    ”The late Mrs. Doyin Abiola was consummate journalist, writer, advocate of social justice and champion of women’s rights. For the pioneer positions she held in Nigeria’s media industry and for distinguishing herself in subsequent leadership positions, Doyin was a pathfinder to women journalists in particular and an inspiration to the media industry in general,” Anosike said.

    “We at Folio Media Group, and Daily Times in particular, join the rest of well-meaning Nigerians and the global media industry to mourn the demise of Dr. Doyin Abiola and pray that her family be comforted,” Anosike stated.

    He urged the Abiola family to take consolation in the fact that the late Doyin lived a fulfilled life, contributed immensely to the development of Nigeria and humanity, before her passing at a ripe age of 82.

    Doyin Abiola was educated at the University of Ibadan, where she earned a degree in English and Drama in 1969.

    After graduation, she started work with the Daily Sketch Newspaper and had a column in the newspaper called ‘Tiro,’ which was addressing sundry issues of public concern, including gender matters before moving to Daily Times and later went to New York University and obtained a PhD in communications and political science in 1979.

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    She returned to the Daily Times and was deployed to the editorial board where she worked with other experienced editors like Stanley Macebuh, Dele Giwa and Amma Ogan. Her next move was to National Concord newspaper where she was appointed as its pioneer daily editor.

    She was promoted to be the managing director/editor-in-chief in 1986 and became the first Nigerian woman to become the editor in chief of a daily newspaper in Nigeria.

    Her career at National Concord Newspaper spanned three decades. She also served in various capacities in the media industry in the country and was Chairperson of the Awards Nominating panel at the first Nigerian Media Merit Award to be hosted in the country, and also a member of Advisory Council, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences, Ogun State University.

    She was a recipient of Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME) for her lifelong devotion to advancing the frontiers of knowledge and strengthening the media as a pillar of democracy.

    The Trustees of DAME unanimously approved her selection as a recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th DAME Ceremony.

    She was the second woman to receive a DAME Lifetime Achievement Award after Mrs. Omobola Onajide) and was later granted Eisenhower Fellowship in 1986.

  • Ekiti Police recover missing newborn, arrest suspect

    Ekiti Police recover missing newborn, arrest suspect

    The Ekiti Police Command  has recovered a newborn baby stolen at the

    Okeyinmi Health Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. 

    The Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo said that the suspect, a 34-year-old Deborah Ayeni has been arrested after a thorough investigation and credible tip-off.

    Speaking at the Police headquarters in Ado-Ekiti, Eribo noted that the suspect left a polythene bag at the hospital which contained some baby items and receipt of bought items from a popular supermarket in the state capital.

    He said: “Due to our discreet investigation and professionalism of our men, the suspect left the bag and receipt she used to buy those items.

    “We approached the supermarket and they gave us the CCTV footage which showed her face. We got some credible information on her whereabouts from the person who knew she wasn’t pregnant and carrying new baby, after the news of the incident went viral.

    “We moved in and arrested her on Wednesday in her house where he confessed to the crime to cover up her lies to the UK-based husband.”

    Eribo appealed to the people of the state to be vigilant and support the police with credible information in their communities, ” whenever we see something unusual and strange,like the person who informed us on this incident.”

    The suspect who confessed to the crime and regretted her actions, said that she doesn’t want to lose her boyfriend based in the United Kingdom who she had lied to of being pregnant and obtaining from him.

    Narrating how she carried out the criminal act in the hospital ward, Deborah said, ” I planned the act to steal the baby because I had lied to the man who is based in the UK that I was pregnant for months.

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    ” So, when the man decided that he was coming home to visit me and knowing full well I had been deceiving him to collect money for years. I pretended to be a pregnant woman by putting clothes in my stomach and gained access into the maternity ward on Sunday morning pretending to be an expectant mother.

    ” I observed the mother of the baby I stole was a Northerner and I can speak Hausa language, I quickly moved closer and interacting with her and husband. I was celebrating with them for the new baby.

    ” When the husband was leaving the ward to get some things in the night on Sunday, she even asked me to look after her wife and the baby, that he will be back.

    ” In the early hours of Monday around 5am, when I observed that the mother had slept and no nurse at the ward that moment, I carried the new baby  and escaped to my house just for my boyfriend to see.”

    The baby after being recovered from the suspect was handed over to the parents who were overjoyed and full of praises for the Police. 

  • Group lauds IGP Egbetokun for outstanding performance honour on ACP Shaba, others

    Group lauds IGP Egbetokun for outstanding performance honour on ACP Shaba, others

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has been commended for his commitment to meritocracy and professional excellence following the formal decoration of two distinguished officers, ACP Aliyu Shaba and CSP Sentome Obi, both winners of the Police Officer of the Year Award for 2023 and 2024 respectively.

    The body commended the recognition of ACP Aliyu Shaba, who has proved himself worthy in character and professional dispositions towards curbing violent crimes and other social vices in various Commands, Formations, Special Units and Task Forces where he had served both within and outside the State.

    The South-South Professional & Transparency Initiatives (SSPTI), in a statement on Tuesday, described the event as a powerful symbol of institutional pride and an inspiring gesture that reinforces the core values of honour, integrity, and dedication in the Nigeria Police Force.

    The decoration ceremony, held on August 5, 2025, at the IGP Smart Conference Room, Force Headquarters, Abuja, saw CSP Shaba Aliyu officially promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police, effective December 31, 2023. SP Sentome Obi was likewise elevated to Chief Superintendent of Police, effective December 31, 2024.

    To underscore the significance of the occasion, the IGP ordered the deployment of the police jet to convey both award-winning officers to Abuja for the ceremony. 

    In addition, their photographs—celebrating their outstanding courage and professionalism—were prominently displayed at the entrance of the Force Headquarters, as well as at all Zonal and State Command Headquarters, in a move SSPTI hailed as a public endorsement of excellence.

    SSPTL Chairman, Dr. Ugochukwu Alozie, who described the recognition as unprecedented, noted that; “This is what institutional pride looks like. This is how trust is built, from within. The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, has taken a bold and historic step toward motivation, merit-based recognition, and morale boosting”.

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    Continuing; it said:“These are not just promotions; they are a national salute to officers who chose integrity, went the extra mile, and reminded us all what true service looks like.”

    In his remarks at the ceremony, IGP Egbetokun reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to rewarding excellence and professionalism across all ranks. “To our officers across the country: this is your reminder that the job is not thankless. Your sacrifices are seen. Your integrity will not go unnoticed,” he declared.

    He reiterated that any officer who wins the Police Officer of the Year Award, earns the IGP Commendation Award, or secures category awards in two consecutive years will be recommended for accelerated promotion by the Police Service Commission. He emphasized that recognition and honour within the Force must be earned through dedication, excellence, and unwavering discipline, not favoritism or connections.

    Further underscoring the ongoing reforms, Egbetokun assured that the Force remains focused on improving the welfare of both serving and retired personnel, while strengthening professionalism and public trust. “We are building a police force that is competent, service-driven, law-abiding, and people-friendly,” he said.

    Addressing critics of the ongoing reform efforts, especially those on social media, the IGP issued a stern warning. “In this Force, promotion is no longer about who you know—it’s about what you contribute,” he stated. “There is no gender advantage, no ethnic preference, no religious pathway—only merit.”

    Egbetokun acknowledged that while the reforms have been widely embraced, some pockets of resistance remain. “We are not blind to the backlash. There are those who fear change and attack progress because it exposes their irrelevance,” he said. “A certain corner of social media has become a playground for professional mischief-makers and agents of institutional sabotage. Let me send them a clear and final message: your lies will not derail our reforms.”

    Clarifying the structure of the recognition initiative, the police boss noted that it does not replace the traditional promotion system but rather complements it. “This initiative is not designed to replace our existing promotion structure. On the contrary, it complements it,” he explained.

    He revealed that over 10,000 officers have been promoted through regular, transparent processes since 2023, further reinforcing the administration’s commitment to fairness and growth within the ranks of the Nigeria Police Force.

  • Expert makes case for urgent reforms in land acquisition

    Expert makes case for urgent reforms in land acquisition

    Emmanuel Mark, an expert in land management and infrastructure development, has called for urgent reforms in Nigeria’s right-of-way acquisition processes to unlock sustainable infrastructure growth across the country.

    In an article titled “Public Infrastructure and Right of Way Acquisition in Nigeria: Issues and Challenges,” Dr. Mark emphasised that land acquisition remains one of the most pressing obstacles to infrastructure development, due to poor governance, outdated legal frameworks, and a lack of transparency in the process.

    “Access to land remains the greatest hurdle to infrastructure development in Nigeria. Despite the legal provision for compulsory acquisition, poor land administration and weak governance continue to frustrate the delivery of public infrastructure,” he stated.

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    Dr. Mark, who is a past president of the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), Chapter 84, and current 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), stressed the need for Nigeria to align its acquisition practices with international best standards.

    He noted that reforming the process to ensure fairness, transparency, and stakeholder involvement is essential for sustainable economic growth and equitable development.

    Referencing global conventions and national laws such as the Land Use Act and the 1999 Constitution, Dr. Mark highlighted the need to protect property rights while meeting public development goals.

    He also called on the government to engage professionals, such as estate surveyors and right-of-way specialists, to guide acquisition processes and prevent conflict.

    He stated that “Nigeria’s future infrastructure development depends on our ability to balance public need with property rights. Improved land governance and professional engagement are non-negotiable if we are to achieve meaningful progress.”

    The article serves as a call to action for policymakers, urban planners, and development agencies to prioritise reform in right-of-way acquisition as a foundation for national development.

    ESV. Emmanuel Mark, Ph.D, Fnivs, Frics, SR/WA, RSV, is an internationally recognised expert in land governance, valuation, and infrastructure development.

    He is the former President of the IRWA Chapter 84 (Nigeria) and currently serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV).

  • Ugandan data protection officials visit Nigeria to strengthen regional collaboration

    Ugandan data protection officials visit Nigeria to strengthen regional collaboration

    A delegation from Uganda’s Personal Data Protection Office (PDPO) is currently in Abuja to understudy Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem and explore strategies that can benefit Ugandan citizens.

    The visit is also aimed at deepening regional collaboration between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and its Ugandan counterpart, with a focus on improving data privacy standards across Africa.

    Led by Uganda’s Director of Data Protection Affairs, Mr. Stephen Mugabe, the delegation was warmly received by the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and other senior officials.

    Welcoming the team, Dr. Olatunji emphasised the significance of intra-African cooperation in developing sustainable, resilient, and effective data governance systems.

    In a statement issued by NDPC’s Head of Media, Mr. Itunu Dosekun, Olatunji noted that Nigeria’s progress in data protection has been driven by a robust Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, which encourages active collaboration with key stakeholders in the sector.

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    “Our approach is the PPP model. We experimented, and it worked. We licensed private sector organisations to carry out Compliance as a service on behalf of the Commission. We started with 15, but we now have 257,” Dr Olatunji stated.

    He urged the Ugandan data regulators to adopt solutions that reflect their unique national realities, including the deployment of local technologies, engagement with sector stakeholders, and frameworks for capacity development.

    He said they should not be afraid to try out innovative ideas. He said, “Don’t be afraid of experimenting. Don’t be afraid of failing”.

    He linked the success of the NDPC to the strengthening of regulatory frameworks and local expertise, stressing that the government aims to create a more secure digital environment to attract and sustain Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country.

    Mr Mugabe, on his part, expressed appreciation for the NDPC’s warm reception and willingness to share operational insights. He provided an update on Uganda’s progress in data protection, noting key milestones such as the establishment of the PDPO and regulatory framework development. He also commended the Commission’s professionalism and commitment to data subject rights, stating that Uganda is working to mirror similar values and structures.

    “Our aim with this visit is to understand the daily operations of the NDPC, department by department, and take back lessons that can be adapted to the Ugandan context,” he said. “We are particularly impressed by Nigeria’s approach to awareness, stakeholder engagement, and capacity building”.