… Has Generated Over N5.2b In Compliance Revenue
By CHIDIEBERE NWANKWO
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has expanded its compliance monitoring across public and private sectors with 38,677 registered Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance (DCPMI) in line with the NDP Act, 2023.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 National Privacy Week, with the theme “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics, and Innovation”, the National Commissioner and CEO, NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji disclosed that in addition to the new DCPMIs, the Commission licenced 307 Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DCPOs).
The 2026 National Privacy Week, which started on January 28, will end on February 4, 2026 and is aimed at, among others, creating awareness on data privacy and protection; raising awareness about potential privacy risks and how to mitigate them; educating participants on the significance of privacy in the digital era; providing tools for safeguarding personal information; and fostering a culture of responsible data handling and ethical use of technology.
Dr. Olatunji listed further achievements by the Commission to include:
- Over 8,155 Compliance Audit Returns filed.
- Concluding 246 data protection and privacy breach investigations.
- Implementing 11 enforcement actions including fines and remediation directives.
- Issuance of the GAID on the 20th of March 2025, with effective date of 19th September, 2025.
- Translating the NDP Act 2023 into 3 major languages.
- Initiating a multi-sector compliance drive
- Issuing compliance notices to 1,348 entities in August 2025 across the banking, insurance, pension, and gaming sectors, strengthening engagement and informing enforcement actions.
The 2025 launch of a Virtual Privacy Academy; establishment of Data Privacy Clubs in 6 tertiary institutions; and launch of the Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign (DPAC) to educate citizens and the university community on their digital rights, will create a springboard for accelerated National sensitisation. The Commission also launched the Youth Data Protection Awareness & Training Program, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Youth Development to empower 5,000 Nigerian youths with digital literacy and data privacy skills.
The NDPC, which generated over N5.2 billion in Compliance Revenue, has increased attractiveness of Nigeria as a destination for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) due to the presence of an independent data protection authority which is a critical requirement for international business confidence and cross-border partnerships. Its efforts also earned it the Picasso Award for the Best DPA in Africa.
According to the National Commissioner, NDPC plans to increase awareness on data protection and privacy this year, while intensifying the enforcement of the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and take appropriate actions against non-compliant organisations.
Other expected actions by the Commission this year will include increased awareness creation to promote a deeper understanding of data protection and privacy across Nigeria; and provision of guidance and support to organisations on data protection best practices.
The Commission will also engage in capacity building and certify professionals through the National Data Protection Officer Certification, to meet global standards in data protection practices.
As part of the 2026 National Privacy Week, the NDPC hosted journalists in Lagos to a one-day training, which highlighted data privacy and the need to ensure
