WorldStage Newsonline– The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced plans to significantly increase enforcement and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors found violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
This announcement was made by the National Commissioner and CEO of the Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, in a video on its social media platforms outlining the Commission’s 2025 agenda.
Dr. Olatunji stated that: “For data controllers and processors, there is going to be massive enforcement. We have never really issued any fines, but going forward, you’ll hear us imposing heavy penalties.”
He assured Nigerians that their data rights, as guaranteed by the NDPA, will be fully protected, and non-compliant data controllers and processors will face strict consequences.
The Commissioner highlighted the NDPC’s extensive engagement with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to promote awareness and compliance with its mandate.
He said these efforts had resulted in the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with key organizations, including the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), National Lottery Regulatory Commission (NLRC), the Data Privacy Office of Canada, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority (DIFC), among others.
Dr. Olatunji also revealed that the NDPC will advance to the second phase of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP 2023–2027) in 2025. This phase is expected to create job opportunities within Nigeria’s data protection and privacy ecosystem, particularly for young people. The Commission has been actively training Nigerians in data protection and privacy to create a pool of globally competitive experts in the sector.
“There are many data controllers and processors looking for skilled professionals. Those we trained and certified in 2024 will enter the job market in 2025, ready to work with data controllers and processors,” he said.
He said NDPC will continue its nationwide campaign to promote data protection awareness.
He said the commission aimed to educate citizens about their rights and emphasize the obligations of data controllers and processors under the NDPA.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that these initiatives are part of a broader strategy to embed a culture of data protection and privacy in Nigeria.
As part of its international engagement efforts, Nigeria will host the “Network of African Data Protection Authorities Conference” in May 2025.
Over 40 nations with existing data protection laws are expected to attend. Dr. Olatunji noted that this global event would position Nigeria as a leader in the data protection ecosystem and bring significant economic benefits to the country.
The NDPC reiterated its commitment to ensuring that data protection and privacy become integral to Nigeria’s digital landscape, fostering trust and promoting economic growth.
