Nigeria has been recognised as a growing force in global data privacy and digital governance following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the establishment of an independent data protection regulator.
The National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, made this known on Wednesday at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 held in Abuja.
According to him, the country’s data protection journey reached a major turning point when President Bola Tinubu signed the Act into law in 2023, granting full legal backing to the commission.
“On June 12, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act, which gave us the mandate to operate as an independent commission. This has positioned Nigeria as a major player in the global data privacy space,” Olatunji said.
Nigeria’s Data Protection Gains Gain Global Recognition
Olatunji described the process leading to the creation of the NDPC and the passage of the law as challenging but rewarding, noting that Nigeria’s progress is now receiving international recognition.
“It has been demanding, but we are making steady progress, and this is being recognised globally, not only within Africa,” he said.
He thanked stakeholders from government, private sector and civil society for supporting the country’s data protection framework.
Balancing Innovation and Privacy
The NDPC boss explained that the summit was part of activities marking Global Privacy Day, which Nigeria now celebrates for a full week due to increasing public interest in data protection issues.
He warned that Nigeria’s fast-growing digital ecosystem has produced rapid innovation that sometimes outpaces regulation, making it essential to balance technological advancement with citizens’ privacy rights.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that innovation does not come at the expense of personal data security,” he added.
FG Urges Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has urged regulators, technology firms and digital service providers to prioritise ethics in the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, through his representative, Adetunji Adeyemo.
Gagare said technologies such as AI, machine learning, blockchain and the Internet of Things had made data a strategic economic asset, increasing the need for strong privacy safeguards.
“Trust is the currency of the digital age. Without it, even the most advanced technologies will struggle to succeed,” he said.
Building Public Trust in Nigeria’s Digital Economy
He stressed that citizens’ confidence in digital platforms depends largely on assurances that their personal data is protected.
According to him, public trust drives wider adoption of digital services, supports financial inclusion and promotes economic growth.
He added that the government, working with the NDPC, is strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding professional training and increasing public awareness of data rights.
Growing Data Economy
Gagare highlighted the rapid growth of Nigeria’s data-driven sectors, including fintech, e-commerce and digital services, while warning against irresponsible use of personal information.
“Data privacy is a shared responsibility among government, industry and society,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between regulators, private companies and civil society to protect Nigerians’ privacy while encouraging responsible innovation.
Background
President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law in 2023, replacing the previous regulatory framework and giving statutory backing to data protection in Nigeria.
The bill was first introduced under former President Muhammadu Buhari before being passed by the National Assembly.
Earlier reports by The PUNCH indicated that Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem is now valued at over ₦16.2 billion, reflecting growing compliance and regulatory activity.
