NUJ FCT, NDPC Strike Landmark Pact to Defend Journalists from Rising Cyber Threats. By Raymond Enoch

In a decisive move to fortify the media against Nigeria’s rising wave of cyber threats, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has sealed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) aimed at strengthening data protection knowledge and digital security among journalists.

The agreement was reached during a high-level courtesy visit by the NUJ delegation, led by its Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, to the leadership of the Commission in Abuja on Wednesday.

At the heart of the engagement is a shared resolve to equip journalists with the skills and legal understanding required to navigate an increasingly complex digital environment marked by cyber infiltration, digital surveillance, identity breaches and the rapid spread of misinformation.

“In today’s world, data is power. Data shapes narratives. Data drives governance. Data influences elections,” Ike declared during the meeting. “As journalists, we sit at the intersection of information and public trust. Every day we collect, process, interpret and publish data—sometimes even sensitive data. We must understand how to protect it.”

She warned that the consequences of ignorance in the digital era are grave, stressing that journalists who lack data protection awareness are vulnerable to manipulation, cyber-attacks and legal risks.

“A journalist who does not understand data protection today is vulnerable. And a vulnerable journalist weakens democracy,” she said. “The media must not only report on data compliance; we must embody it.”

The NUJ Chairman explained that the Council is seeking structured capacity-building programmes to ensure journalists are fully conversant with Nigeria’s data protection laws, especially the Nigeria Data Protection Act. According to her, reporters must be trained to handle personal and sensitive data responsibly, prevent digital breaches, protect newsroom systems, and secure their devices and sources from cyber threats.

She noted that the digital ecosystem is evolving at an alarming pace, with cybercriminals deploying increasingly sophisticated tools to target institutions, including media houses.

Responding, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the NUJ FCT Council for what he described as a proactive and forward-thinking initiative.

“Media is the Fourth Estate, and awareness is never too much,” Olatunji said, underscoring the central role of journalists in shaping public understanding of data governance and privacy rights.

He disclosed that the Commission has intensified engagement with the media through National Privacy Week activities in Abuja and Lagos, stressing that journalists are critical partners in promoting compliance and accountability.

Beyond awareness creation, Olatunji revealed that the NDPC will organise a one-day induction training for members of the NUJ FCT Council. The Commission will also provide free Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) vouchers and certification programme slots as part of the collaboration.

According to him, the data protection ecosystem is not only a governance imperative but also an emerging sector offering career opportunities for professionals, including journalists willing to deepen their expertise.

Highlighting the Commission’s milestones, Olatunji said that since 2019, the NDPC has generated ₦16.2 billion in revenue, with ₦7.2 billion remitted to the Federal Government. He added that the Commission has hosted delegations from eight countries and led large-scale Global Privacy Week trainings in Lagos.

“We’re ready to leave a legacy,” he pledged, noting that follow-up meetings will be held to develop a blueprint for broader national penetration, including rural awareness campaigns.

Industry observers say the partnership signals a new chapter in media–regulatory collaboration, one that recognizes the growing convergence between journalism, technology and data governance.

With cyber threats targeting newsrooms, reporters and digital platforms across the country, the pact is expected to strengthen institutional resilience, enhance ethical reporting standards and safeguard public trust.

For journalists operating in an era where data can build credibility or destroy reputations in seconds, the message from Abuja is clear: protect the data, protect the democracy.