PalmPay, FG Partner to Launch Youth Data Protection Awareness Initiative
In a bold step towards promoting digital safety and privacy among young Nigerians, PalmPay has entered a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to launch the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) program.
The initiative is designed to train and empower over one million Nigerian youths over the next three years on data privacy, cybersecurity, and their rights under Nigeria’s digital laws.
The official launch of the program took place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, drawing top government officials, private sector leaders, and youth representatives. Addressing the audience, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, described the program as a timely and vital intervention. He noted that the initiative would help raise a generation of young Nigerians who are well-informed about their digital rights and responsibilities. According to him, the collaboration with PalmPay reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding youths in a rapidly evolving digital world.
PalmPay’s Managing Director, Chika Nwosu, reiterated the company’s dedication to user privacy and digital safety. He emphasized that data protection is a core value in PalmPay’s operations, adding that privacy is intentionally built into every product they offer. Nwosu also stated that the YDPAT initiative aligns with the fintech firm’s broader mission to contribute meaningfully to a secure and informed digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
The YDPAT program is structured to include training on the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023, with a focus on helping young people understand how to protect their personal information online. Participants will also receive practical guidance on responsible digital behavior, with opportunities for mentorship and internships provided to outstanding trainees.
This awareness drive comes in response to growing concerns that a large portion of Nigeria’s youth population remains unaware of their rights concerning data usage and protection. With youths making up over 70% of the population, the program is seen as an essential step toward equipping them with the tools to thrive safely in the digital age.
PalmPay’s involvement in the initiative follows a track record of regulatory compliance and consumer protection efforts. In 2022, the company received certification for compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). It has also partnered with institutions like the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in the fight against financial fraud and cybercrime.
Beyond regulatory collaboration, PalmPay has led multiple community campaigns aimed at public education on fraud prevention and digital security. These efforts have included awareness walks, merchant engagement sessions, and outreach programs across different regions of the country.
With the rollout of YDPAT now underway, the training is expected to reach youth in both urban and rural areas, using a mix of digital learning platforms, in-person sessions, and community forums. The program represents a significant move toward building a more privacy-conscious generation in Nigeria and further solidifies the role of the private sector in advancing national digital policies.
