The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on journalists to uphold professionalism, ethical standards, and responsible information management as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the commission, Vincent Olatunji, made the call in a goodwill message delivered during the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists FCT Council.
Represented by the Head of Media Unit of the commission, Itunu Dosekun, Olatunji described the theme of the event, “2027 Election: Defending Democracy in the Era of Disinformation,” as timely and necessary in view of the growing influence of digital platforms on information dissemination.
He noted that the increasing spread of disinformation poses a threat to public trust and democratic processes, stressing that the role of the media as a credible gatekeeper of truth has become more critical.
“In an era where disinformation can easily undermine public trust and democratic processes, the role of the press as a credible gatekeeper of truth has never been more important,” he said.
The NDPC boss commended journalists for their commitment to responsible journalism, fact-checking, and public enlightenment, urging them to pay greater attention to data protection and privacy in the course of news gathering and reporting.
According to him, the ethical handling of personal data and compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 are essential to building public trust and ensuring a safe and credible information ecosystem.
“We also encourage heightened attention to data protection and privacy in the course of newsgathering and reporting. The ethical handling of personal data, respect for privacy rights, as well as compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 are key to building trust and ensuring that information ecosystems remain safe, lawful, and credible,” he stated.
Olatunji reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to partnering with the media to promote data protection, digital literacy, and responsible information practices aimed at curbing misinformation and safeguarding the integrity of information dissemination ahead of the 2027 elections.
He encouraged journalists to remain steadfast in upholding truth, balance, and ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities to the nation.
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