PalmPay has partnered with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Youth Development to launch a comprehensive digital literacy program targeting one million Nigerian youths over three years.
The Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training Program, commissioned at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, addresses critical gaps in digital security knowledge among Nigeria’s predominantly young population, with over 70% of citizens under 30 years.
Minister of Youth Development Comrade Ayodele Olawande described the initiative as a bold step toward building a digitally literate and security-conscious generation. “This is about building a privacy-first generation, one that is inclusive, future-facing, and globally competitive,” he stated during the launch ceremony.
The program addresses the low awareness of Nigeria’s Data Protection Act 2023 and the critical shortage of certified Data Protection Officers, despite over 500,000 data controllers operating across the country. This skills gap represents significant employment opportunities for trained professionals.
PalmPay Managing Director Chika Nwosu emphasized that data protection equals innovation importance in technology development. The company integrates privacy considerations into every product development stage, ensuring comprehensive user information security.
Beyond data protection education, PalmPay commits to providing mentorship and internship placements for top-performing participants. The company has previously led youth-oriented initiatives including the Purple Woman campaign and Passing the Baton corporate social responsibility programs.
Economic analysts project the program could create approximately 10,000 direct employment opportunities in cybersecurity, data management, and digital compliance roles. The initiative addresses Nigeria’s growing digital economy needs while building local capacity.
The training focuses on equipping participants with practical skills required for navigating digital landscapes safely, potentially creating a pipeline of certified professionals for Nigeria’s expanding technology sector.
Industry stakeholders highlight that successful program implementation could position Nigeria as a regional leader in data protection awareness and digital security practices across West Africa.
PalmPay plans nationwide digital literacy campaigns beginning in Northern Nigeria, with additional activations scheduled across various states to ensure comprehensive coverage and maximum impact.
About The Author
