Tokunbo Smith

Experience & Activities

Tokunbo Smith is a distinguished Nigerian Data Governance, Data Protection, Information Management and Management Consulting professional, with extensive experience in regulatory compliance, digital governance, information security, professional development and organizational capacity building.

He is the Founder of the Institute of Data Governance Nigeria, President of the Data & Knowledge Information Privacy Protection Initiative (DKIPPI), and Principal Consultant of T&Y Information Management Services Ltd (TYIMS), a Digital, Trust and Governance Advisory firm.

Data Protection and Governance Leadership

Tokunbo Smith has been a pioneer in the development and promotion of data protection and privacy practice in Nigeria. T&Y Information Management Services Ltd (TYIMS) was one of the pioneer Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) licensed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under Nigeria’s earlier data protection regulatory framework.

He was also the first consultant to the Lagos State Government on Data Protection Compliance, supporting the development of institutional awareness and compliance approaches within the public sector. He was among the pioneers who promoted public awareness of data protection in Nigeria and was the first to celebrate Data Protection in Nigeria, helping to establish greater visibility for privacy and responsible data management.

He has contributed to the development of framework policies and regulatory initiatives of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and NITDA, and has participated extensively in stakeholder consultations, professional engagements and policy-development activities relating to data protection and digital governance.

He served as a Sessional Chairman during the development of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, contributing to stakeholder discussions and the development of Nigeria’s contemporary data protection legislative framework. He has also served as Co-Chairman of General Application and Implementation Directive 2025 (GAID).

Professional Credentials and Memberships

Tokunbo Smith is a Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE) of ISACA and a Licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO) practitioner. He is a life Member of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Nigeria Computer Society, Nigeria Institute of Training and Development and Institute of Information Management. Also a member of Computer Professional Council of Nigeria, Institute of Information Technology s and Security Professionals of Nigeria.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Management Consultants, the Nigeria Institute of Training and Development, and OSHA (UK). His professional credentials reflect his multidisciplinary expertise spanning technology, governance, management, data protection and organizational development.

Consulting and Advisory Experience

Tokunbo has served as a consultant and adviser to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), NITDA, NECA, Lagos State Government, government institutions, financial institutions, multinational organizations and other public and private sector organizations.

Through TYIMS, he has supported organizations in areas including:

• Data protection compliance and governance
• Data privacy and information governance
• Regulatory compliance
• Data protection audits and assessments
• Data governance frameworks
• Privacy management programmes
• Risk management and organizational governance
• Digital transformation and responsible technology adoption
• Professional training and capacity development

Policy and Professional Contributions

Tokunbo has served on various committees, working groups and professional initiatives of leading professional and technology organizations, including the NCS, ISACA, NITDA, ITSSP IIM and other professional bodies.

His contributions have covered professional standards, policy development, information technology, data governance, privacy, capacity building and the advancement of responsible digital transformation in Nigeria.

Awards and Recognition

He is a recipient of several professional and institutional awards and recognitions, including awards and commendations from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Lagos State Government, Institute of Information Management (IIM), and the Lagos Chapter of ISACA, among others.

These recognitions acknowledge his contribution to data protection, information management, professional development, digital governance and public-sector transformation.

Professional Vision

Tokunbo Smith is a strong advocate for building a sustainable data protection and governance culture in Nigeria. His professional philosophy is focused on helping organizations move beyond basic regulatory compliance toward accountability, trust, responsible information management, ethical digital transformation and effective governance.

Through his professional practice, policy contributions, training initiatives and institutional leadership, he continues to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s data protection, information governance and digital trust ecosystem.

Tokunbo Smith brings together technology, governance, management consulting, data protection and professional development in a career dedicated to strengthening institutions and promoting responsible use of information in Nigeria and beyond.