Dr. Adetokunbo Ajibola, a specialist in global data governance, has presented a functional framework designed to enable Nigeria to leverage the economic and national security potential of data in vital industries.
This is a direct reaction to President Bola Tinubu's recent statement that "data is Nigeria's new oil."
During a speech to the nation, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of data, calling it a key resource for Nigeria's progress, and indicating a move towards an economy driven by data.
Responding to the policy, Ajibola, widely recognized as The Data Evangelist, stated that Nigeria should now implement a cohesive national data strategy that benefits both governmental and commercial organizations.
Data isn't just a side effect of running things; it's a key resource," stated Ajibola, who is also an ECOWAS Council Ambassador. "If managed well, Nigeria has the potential to spearhead the development of a data-focused government in Africa, backed by a private sector that flourishes on dependability, openness, and change.
Ajibola is a well-regarded figure in the field of enterprise data management, bringing more than 20 years of experience from across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Via his company, Berkeley Data Strategists, he has provided guidance to almost 5,000 professionals worldwide in areas such as data governance, data quality, metadata, and enabling analytics.
Within the country, his influence is significant. He spearheaded the strategic improvement of First Bank's Data Governance and Data Quality departments, providing the internationally acclaimed Certified Data Management Professional course and bringing the bank's operations into compliance with global benchmarks.
Ajibola suggests that realizing the potential value of data necessitates collaborative work among government bodies and focused funding for digital skills and infrastructure.
He stated that Nigeria needs to value data as much as it values oil, emphasizing that it powers the digital economy. He added, "If managed correctly, we can improve performance in areas like banking, health, farming, oil and gas, and communications."
He emphasized that a national data policy is crucial to establish specific guidelines for how data is gathered, maintained, protected, and utilized. He cautioned that without a cohesive approach, Nigeria could fail to capitalize on the significant potential of the data-driven economy.
He further mentioned that the roadmap needs to focus on developing the skills of Nigerians, particularly those living abroad, so they possess abilities that are valuable worldwide and can be used within the country.
He stated that it's essential to adapt global knowledge to local contexts. He added that numerous talented Nigerians living overseas are prepared to assist, but it's our responsibility to establish accessible channels for their involvement.
Ajibola warned that Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind, especially as other African countries ramp up digitisation of public services and investment in data infrastructure.
“The global digital economy is moving fast. If Nigeria is serious about leading, we must act now and act boldly,” he added.
His call aligns with growing global conversations around data as the next frontier for economic transformation. With proper regulation, investment in talent, and public-private collaboration, experts believe Nigeria could unlock trillions of naira in value through data-driven decision-making and innovation.
As the Tinubu administration pushes digital reforms, stakeholders say Ajibola’s roadmap offers a timely and actionable guide.
“The government must not only declare data as the new oil, it must also refine it,” said a Lagos-based data analyst who requested anonymity. “And people like Ajibola have already built the refinery.”
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