PalmPay Teams Up with Federal Government to Champion Data Protection

PalmPay has deepened its commitment to youth development and data privacy through a strategic partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development. The collaboration aims to train over one million young Nigerians on data protection and digital literacy over the next three years through a new initiative called the Youth Data Protection Awareness and Training (YDPAT) Program.

The YDPAT Program was officially launched last week at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. It is designed to equip Nigeria’s youth with essential knowledge and skills needed to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. With more than 70 percent of Nigeria’s population made up of young people, the move marks a significant investment in both national cybersecurity and long-term economic empowerment.

PalmPay’s role in the program underscores its ongoing efforts to prioritize user privacy and security while also building a digitally capable generation. The company’s involvement also complements its broader agenda of financial inclusion, innovation, and youth empowerment across Nigeria and other emerging markets.

Speaking at the launch, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the initiative as a forward-thinking solution to one of Nigeria’s most pressing digital challenges. He noted that while the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023 is in place, awareness and enforcement are still lacking across most sectors. According to the Minister, there are currently over 500,000 data controllers operating in the country, yet the number of certified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) remains woefully inadequate.

“This initiative is about more than just training. It’s about building a generation that understands privacy, values data protection, and is ready for the demands of the global digital economy,” Olawande said.

PalmPay’s Managing Director, Mr. Chika Nwosu, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that innovation in fintech must go hand-in-hand with user security. He stated that PalmPay embeds data protection protocols into every step of its product development cycle, ensuring that customers’ private information is secure from design to deployment.

PalmPay has also committed to providing practical support to participants in the program. High-performing trainees will be offered internship opportunities and mentorship, giving them hands-on experience and a chance to enter Nigeria’s growing tech and fintech ecosystem. This approach is consistent with PalmPay’s previous CSR efforts, including initiatives such as the Purple Woman Campaign and the Passing the Baton program, which have reached thousands of young people and women across both urban and rural communities.

As part of its long-term goal to promote digital inclusion, PalmPay has already started rolling out data protection awareness campaigns in Northern Nigeria. More states are scheduled to benefit from the program in the coming months, making it a nationwide effort to enhance both cybersecurity awareness and digital empowerment.

This initiative is particularly timely as Nigeria continues to digitize its economy. With an increasing number of government services, educational tools, and financial products moving online, understanding data rights and digital hygiene has become critical for all citizens, especially the youth.

About PalmPay

PalmPay is a fast-growing neobank and fintech platform focused on financial inclusion and digital empowerment in emerging markets. Through its secure and easy-to-use app, the platform provides a variety of financial services including mobile payments, digital credit, savings, and micro-insurance.

Since entering the Nigerian market in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, PalmPay has grown to over 35 million users and now processes up to 15 million transactions per day. It has also expanded operations to Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, establishing itself as a key player in the drive to modernize access to financial tools for individuals and small businesses alike.

PalmPay’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development further highlights its commitment to social impact beyond fintech. By focusing on data protection and digital literacy, the company is helping to shape a safer and more inclusive digital future for Nigeria.