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Generates N5.2bn, over 23,000 jobs created
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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem has grown into a N16.2 billion industry, creating thousands of jobs and boosting investor confidence.
The National Commissioner of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Mr Vincent Olatunji, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Global Privacy Day 2026 press conference organised by the commission.
According to Olatunji, the rapid growth of the sector shows that the country’s digital economy is expanding and reflects the impact of stricter regulation following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023.
He also said the data protection industry has so far generated over N5.2 billion in compliance revenue and created more than 23,000 jobs across the country.
The commissioner explained that compliance monitoring has expanded across both public and private sectors, with 38,677 data controllers and data processors of major importance registered under the law, alongside 307 licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations.
He added that over 8,155 compliance audit returns have been filed, while 246 data breach investigations have been concluded, leading to 11 enforcement actions, including fines and remediation directives against defaulting organisations.
The NDPC boss said the commission recently issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) to provide clarity on enforcement, while the Data Protection Act has also been translated into three major Nigerian languages to widen public understanding.
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He noted that Nigeria’s improving data protection framework has enhanced the country’s attractiveness to foreign investors, as the presence of an independent data protection authority is now a critical requirement for international business confidence and cross-border partnerships.
The commissioner further revealed that Nigeria has earned global recognition in the sector, winning the Picasso Award for Best Data Protection Authority in Africa and securing membership of international bodies such as the Global Privacy Assembly and the Network of African Data Protection Authorities.
On capacity building, he said the commission has conducted 168 training programmes with over 104,000 beneficiaries, launched the maiden National Data Protection Officer Certification Examination and certified 494 professionals, while rolling out youth-focused digital privacy initiatives nationwide.
He said these achievements form part of activities marking the 2026 National Privacy Week, scheduled to hold from 28 January to 4 February, with the theme “Privacy in the Age of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation.”
This year, Olatunji said the NDPC plans to, “Intensify the enforcement of the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and take appropriate actions against non-compliant organizations.
“Increase awareness creation to promote a deeper understanding of data protection and privacy across Nigeria.
“Provide guidance and support to organisations on data protection best practices.
“build capacity and certify professionals through the National Data Protection Officer Certification to meet global standards in data protection practices.”
