Data Protection Laws in Nigeria: What You Need to Know

Over the past few years, data protection has gone from being a “nice to have” to a non-negotiable for businesses in Nigeria. With the increasing collection and use of personal data—especially in tech, finance, health, and e-commerce—there’s now a clear legal framework that organizations must follow to stay compliant and build trust with customers.

If you’re trying to understand where Nigeria stands when it comes to data protection laws, here’s a simple breakdown.

1. The Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023
This is the big one. The NDPA officially became law in 2023 and replaced earlier frameworks like the NDPR (Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, 2019). The NDPA sets the standard for how personal data should be collected, stored, used, and shared in Nigeria.

Some key highlights of the Act include:

• The requirement for organizations to appoint a Data Protection Compliance Officer (DPCO)

• The establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as the main regulatory body

• Mandatory reporting of data breaches within 72 hours

• Explicit consent as the legal basis for processing data

• Rights of data subjects to access, correct, or delete their data

2. Sector-Specific Guidelines
In addition to the NDPA, several sectors in Nigeria have specific data protection requirements. For example:

• Banking and finance institutions must comply with CBN guidelines on cybersecurity and data handling.

• Telecoms companies follow NCC regulations on consumer data protection.

• Healthcare providers have confidentiality obligations regarding patient data.

These sectoral rules don’t replace the NDPA—they work alongside it. So if you’re in a regulated industry, you’ll need to comply with both.

3. International Considerations (e.g., GDPR)
Many Nigerian businesses handle data from individuals outside Nigeria—especially those offering tech or digital services. If you're processing data from EU citizens, you might also need to align with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), even if your business is based in Nigeria.

This is why having a DPCO who understands both local and international data protection standards is critical.

4. Enforcement is Getting Serious
Gone are the days when data protection laws were just theory. With the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, enforcement is now more structured. Companies found to be non-compliant can face heavy fines, suspension of operations, or reputational damage.

So, what does this mean for you?
If you're running a business in Nigeria, handling customer data, or working in any role that touches personal information—data protection is your business. Understanding and complying with the law isn’t optional anymore.

Want to learn how to navigate Nigeria’s data protection laws like a pro?
Our Data Protection Compliance Course is built to help you master the NDPA, understand your obligations, and position yourself (or your organization) as a leader in privacy compliance.

Don’t wait for an audit to get compliant—start learning today. Enrol now.