Nigeria has secured recognition as an emerging 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 while speaking at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 held in Abuja. According to him, the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law by President Bola Tinubu marked a turning point in the country’s data protection journey and formally positioned Nigeria within the global data privacy framework.
Olatunji said the law, signed on June 12, 2023, provided full legal backing for the NDPC to operate as an independent regulatory body, enabling Nigeria to effectively participate in the global digital and data-driven economy.
He explained that with the coming into force of the Act and the institutionalisation of the commission, Nigeria has become a recognised stakeholder in international conversations on data protection, digital rights and responsible data governance.
While acknowledging that the process of developing the legal and institutional framework was demanding, Olatunji noted that the progress recorded had attracted attention and recognition beyond the African continent. He commended stakeholders from both the public and private sectors for their contributions to the success of the data protection initiative.
The NDPC commissioner said the National Data Privacy Summit formed part of activities marking Global Privacy Day, which is observed annually worldwide. He added that Nigeria’s celebration now spans an entire week, reflecting the growing awareness, interest and engagement around data protection issues in the country. The summit also coincided with the commission’s anniversary, offering an opportunity to assess developments and emerging trends in the digital space.
Olatunji observed that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem has driven innovation at a pace that sometimes exceeds regulatory capacity, making it necessary to balance technological advancement with the protection of personal data. He stressed that safeguarding citizens’ privacy must remain central as digital services and platforms continue to grow.
He said the responsibility of regulators and industry players is to ensure that innovation does not undermine data security or infringe on the rights of individuals.
Meanwhile, the federal government has called on regulators, technology companies and other stakeholders to embed ethics at the core of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, while strengthening Nigeria’s data privacy regime.
The call was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, who was represented at the event by the Director of the National Frequency Management Council Secretariat, Adetunji Adeyemo.
Gagare said the rapid adoption of technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain and the Internet of Things has elevated data to a strategic national asset, increasing the urgency for strong data protection measures.
While acknowledging the transformative impact of innovation on society and the economy, he warned that unchecked technological advancement could erode citizens’ rights and weaken public trust if not matched with ethical standards and effective regulation.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a digital ecosystem where innovation and robust data protection coexist, stressing that public confidence remains essential to the success of Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to him, trust is the foundation of digital adoption, noting that citizens are more willing to embrace digital platforms when they are confident that their personal data is secure. He added that such trust drives inclusion, expands digital services and supports sustainable economic growth.
Gagare said the federal government, in collaboration with the NDPC, is strengthening regulatory frameworks, expanding capacity-building programmes for data protection professionals and increasing public awareness of data rights and obligations.
He also highlighted the growing contribution of the data economy to national development, citing the expansion of fintech, e-commerce and other digital services driven by data-based innovation. However, he cautioned that technological progress must be pursued responsibly to prevent data misuse and privacy violations.
He called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and civil society to develop shared standards that protect citizens’ privacy while enabling responsible innovation.
President Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law in 2023, replacing the previous regulatory framework and giving statutory force to personal data protection in Nigeria. The bill was initiated under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari before being passed by the National Assembly and assented to by Tinubu.
The NDPC has previously disclosed that Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem is now valued at over ₦16.2 billion, underscoring the rapid growth of compliance activities and regulatory oversight alongside the country’s expanding digital economy.
