The Police Service Commission (PSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting personal data used in policing, as Nigeria increasingly relies on digital tools for law enforcement.

The PSC Chairman, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Hashimu Salihu Argungu, made the pledge at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja.

The summit, themed “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation,” was organised by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) at the Transcorp Hilton.

Speaking at the event, Argungu said modern policing now depends heavily on data rather than physical surveillance alone.

“In the ongoing recruitment of 50,000 Police Constables and across all our operations, the PSC is dedicated to strict compliance with NDPC policies on data protection,” he said.

He added that safeguarding personal information was essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s security agencies are collecting more personal data than ever before, from biometric records to digital background checks.

With thousands of new police recruits entering the system, how data is stored, shared and protected has become a growing public concern.

Partnership with data regulators

Mr Argungu praised the NDPC and its National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, for what he described as pioneering efforts to strengthen data protection nationwide.

He also reaffirmed the PSC’s ongoing partnership with the NDPC to ensure ethical data management across police operations.

The PSC said this collaboration would help align law enforcement practices with Nigeria’s data protection laws.

What the law says

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission is responsible for enforcing data privacy standards across public and private institutions.

Under existing regulations, organisations that collect personal data must ensure transparency, consent and secure handling of information.

Failure to comply can attract sanctions, fines or legal action.

What’s next

The PSC says it will continue integrating ethical data practices into recruitment, promotions and disciplinary processes.

Officials say further training and compliance audits are expected as Nigeria deepens its use of digital policing tools.

About the Police Service Commission

The Police Service Commission is a federal executive body empowered to appoint, promote and discipline police officers in Nigeria, except the Inspector-General of Police.

Its mandate is derived from the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Police Service Commission Establishment Act of 2001.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to regional digital integration, saying closer cooperation among West African telecoms regulators is critical to expanding the digital economy and improving citizens’ quality of life.

The pledge was restated when the NCC hosted a high-level delegation from the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA) at its headquarters in Abuja.

Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, said the region becomes “stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected,” stressing that collaboration remains central to the Commission’s long-standing regulatory strategy.

Why this matters

Telecommunications infrastructure underpins digital banking, cross-border trade, security coordination, and everyday communication across West Africa.

As countries pursue economic integration under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), regulators say affordable and reliable communications services are no longer optional but essential.

The NCC believes deeper regulatory cooperation can unlock faster internet access, lower roaming costs, and new opportunities for businesses operating across borders.

NCC: Collaboration is non-negotiable

Speaking during the visit, Dr Maida, who was represented by the Director of Corporate Planning, Strategy and Risk Management, Dr Kelechi Nwankwo, said the NCC remains committed to sustained engagement with sister regulatory institutions within and beyond the sub-region.

He noted that the Commission’s involvement in platforms such as the West Africa Telecommunications Regulators Assembly (WATRA) reflects its belief that shared regulatory frameworks strengthen consumer protection and industry confidence.

“The region becomes stronger and more prosperous when all countries are interconnected,” Maida said.

He added that collaboration remains “a core driver of the NCC Board” and is essential to advancing the interests of telecoms consumers and other stakeholders.

ICT as critical national infrastructure

Maida also recalled the NCC’s advocacy for the recognition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) as critical national infrastructure within ECOWAS.

He noted that Nigeria has already designated ICT as part of its critical national information infrastructure, giving the sector strategic prominence needed for sustainable economic growth.

According to him, this recognition helps protect telecoms assets while ensuring policy continuity and investor confidence.

Liberia applauds Nigeria’s leadership

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority, Hon Clarence Massaquoi, commended the NCC for embracing regional coordination and regulatory collaboration.

He described the engagement as critical to strengthening regulatory responsibilities across West Africa.

Massaquoi acknowledged Nigeria’s position as the region’s largest economy, noting that policy and regulatory progress in Nigeria often has far-reaching effects on other West African countries.

Tackling cross-border roaming challenges

Massaquoi explained that since assuming office as Liberia’s chief telecoms regulator, the LTA has prioritised stronger ties with regional institutions to support ECOWAS’ integration agenda.

He said effective regional integration “cannot be achieved without affordable and reliable communications services,” particularly in addressing cross-border roaming challenges.

The LTA chairman disclosed that Liberia has already signed bilateral agreements with The Gambia and Côte d’Ivoire.

He added that discussions are at advanced stages with Ghana and Guinea-Conakry, while reaffirming Liberia’s commitment to active participation in WATRA.

What’s next

The NCC assured the Liberian delegation of its readiness to support shared regional initiatives and to translate discussions into actionable outcomes.

Industry and public impact

For consumers, deeper cooperation could mean fewer dropped calls, cheaper roaming charges, and better internet quality when travelling across borders.

For businesses, it could unlock smoother digital payments, regional e-commerce growth, and more predictable regulatory environments.

For governments, stronger telecoms integration supports security coordination, economic data exchange, and digital public services.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has launched a strategic leadership training programme aimed at preparing senior officers for higher responsibilities.

The Senior Customs Command and Leadership Course began on 3 February 2026 at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College in Gwagwalada. The initiative comes as the Service seeks to strengthen leadership amid evolving operational, security, and trade facilitation challenges.

Why It Matters

Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC) Adewale Adeniyi described the programme as a “defining investment in the Service’s future.” Speaking on 4 February, he highlighted the importance of maintaining standards and institutional culture as senior officers near retirement.

“At this level, your success is determined less by what you know and more by who you are,” Adeniyi said. “The authority you wield amplifies character. It exposes strength, but it also reveals weakness.”

He urged officers to avoid hoarding knowledge, personalising authority, or engaging in unhealthy competition. According to Adeniyi, strong institutions are built on shared purpose, mentorship, and continuity.

Training Focus

The course covers essential leadership skills, including emotional intelligence, integrity, effective communication, strategic thinking, and business acumen. Officers also explored teamwork using the 4×100-metre relay race as a case study, demonstrating the importance of timing, synergy, and collective responsibility.

Discussions examined how poor teamwork can create hostile work environments, while identifying key elements of high-performing teams: mindset, mission, methods, movement, message, and leadership by example.

Industry and Expert Perspective

Leadership consultant and former civil service trainer, Dr. Funke Adeoye, praised the initiative: “Investing in senior officers ensures that leadership transitions within the Customs Service are seamless. It also sets a culture of mentorship and accountability for younger officers.”

What’s Next

Adeniyi challenged participants to apply their learning to real-world results. “This training is deliberate. Your decisions, discipline, and mindset will shape the future leadership of the Service,” he said.

Officers were encouraged to reflect honestly, embrace the discomfort of growth, and use their training to foster capable teams and mentor the next generation of NCS leaders.