No fewer than eight African countries are currently studying Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. The move follows Nigeria’s growing influence in data privacy regulation across the continent.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has received delegations from several African nations. The visits focus on regulatory experience, institutional frameworks, and practical lessons for running effective data protection authorities.
The Somalian Data Protection Authority visited the NDPC on July 23, 2025. The Uganda Data Protection Authority followed on August 5, 2025.
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Other visiting countries include Botswana, the Kingdom of Eswatini, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and The Gambia.
The NDPC said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law in 2023. The law strengthened regulation and placed supervisory oversight at the centre of the ecosystem.
The Act also opened new opportunities and expanded Nigeria’s data protection space.
NDPC CEO and National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, said Nigeria’s data protection policy now serves as a guide for other African countries. He noted that the framework has drawn attention and investment to the sector.
Dr. Olatunji added that the policy has improved public awareness of data privacy among data subjects and data handlers.
Stricter Oversight Across Key Sectors
Banks, schools, hospitals, insurance firms, and telecom companies now face stricter data protection oversight. The Commission has sanctioned some institutions for data breaches.
Online platforms have also adjusted operations to comply with privacy standards.
Nigeria has domesticated the certification of Data Protection Officers to boost local capacity. The move reduced pressure on the naira by limiting dependence on foreign certification.
Over 500 Data Protection Officers have received international certification. This development has strengthened compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act across sectors.
Nigeria hosted the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA) Conference and Annual General Meeting. The event promoted cooperation, knowledge sharing, and regulatory alignment across Africa.
Virtual Privacy Academy Expands Awareness
The NDPC established the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA) to expand privacy education. The platform delivers online training, awareness programmes, and professional development courses.
The VPA uses a Nollywood-styled approach to reach a wider audience and place data subjects at the centre of privacy protection.
The Commission issued the Nigeria Data Protection Act General Application and Implementation Directive (NDP-Act GAID). The directive provides clear standards and operational guidance for compliance.
To promote inclusion, the NDPC translated the Act into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba.
Head of Corporate Communications and Media, Mr. Itunu Dosekun, said the move improved public access to data protection rights.
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Dosekun said the Commission also trained Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to improve data governance. He added that the NDPC received several awards, including Outstanding Data Protection Authority of the Year at the Picasso Awards Africa.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
