The Police Service Commission (PSC) has raised concerns about the growing importance of data security and privacy in modern policing and public administration as it commenced a four-day comprehensive data protection awareness programme in Abuja.
The training, which began on Monday at the Commission’s Corporate Headquarters, was formally flagged off by the PSC Chairman, DIG Hashimu Argungu (rtd), reports The Nation.
Argungu, in his opening address, stressed the critical role of data security in contemporary policing and public administration, urging participants to make full use of the programme to strengthen the Commission’s capacity to protect sensitive information.
He said the initiative also aimed to ensure the Commission’s operations remained compliant with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.
The programme is being organised by Charistech Consulting Ltd., a licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisation, in partnership with the PSC.
Chief Executive Officer of Charistech Consulting Ltd., Mr. Philip Aiwekhoe, said the training curriculum was strictly aligned with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
According to him, the programme is designed to equip PSC officials with practical knowledge of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation and secure data-handling practices.
The four-day programme, running from September 21 to 24, is structured to accommodate Commission staff and Board Members.
Prospective Data Protection Officers (DPOs) are scheduled to participate in a dedicated session on September 23.
The training targets officials and teams responsible for handling sensitive information, with an emphasis on building a culture of security and privacy awareness within the Commission.
Facilitators at the programme noted that improved awareness and compliance would help the Commission minimise the risk of data breaches while strengthening its overall data protection framework.
In a statement today, the Head of Protocol and Public Relations of the PSC, Torty Kalu, said officials of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) were also present to observe the training.
The PSC said the initiative underscores its commitment to strengthening institutional safeguards around personal and sensitive data while ensuring compliance with the country’s evolving data protection regime.
