Nigeria has positioned itself as a notable player in global data privacy and digital governance following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and the establishment of an independent regulator, according to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Speaking at the National Data Privacy Summit 2026 in Abuja on Wednesday, Olatunji described the signing of the Act by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023 as a turning point that gave legal backing to the commission and firmly integrated Nigeria into the global data privacy ecosystem. “Putting these two together, Nigeria is now a major player in the global citizenry economy and in the global data privacy space,” he said.
He acknowledged that the journey to creating the commission and passing the law was demanding but noted that Nigeria’s progress has attracted international recognition beyond Africa. “It has been challenging, but the good news is that we are making progress in Nigeria, and this progress is being recognised across the globe, not only within Africa,” Olatunji added, while commending stakeholders for their support.
The summit, which coincided with the commission’s anniversary and Global Privacy Day celebrations, provided an opportunity to reflect on emerging challenges in the digital space. Olatunji emphasized the need to balance rapid innovation in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem with strong safeguards for personal data, warning that innovation must not come at the expense of citizens’ privacy and security.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government urged regulators, technology firms, and stakeholders to prioritize ethics in deploying artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nadungu Gagare, represented by Adetunji Adeyem, stressed that data has become a strategic asset in the modern economy. “Trust is the currency of the digital age. Without it, even the most advanced technological solutions will struggle to achieve their full potential,” he said.
Gagare highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen regulatory frameworks, expand training for data protection professionals, and raise public awareness of data rights. He cautioned that while fintech, e-commerce, and other digital services are driving national development, technological progress must be pursued responsibly to prevent privacy breaches. “Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence must be developed and deployed ethically. Data privacy is a shared responsibility that cuts across government, industry, and society,” he noted.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, first proposed under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was signed into law in 2023, replacing the old framework and giving statutory force to personal data protection. According to the NDPC, Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem is now valued at over ₦16.2 billion, reflecting the rapid growth of compliance and oversight alongside the expanding digital economy.
