By IJEOMA OLORUNFEMI

The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the 2023 Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), as part of efforts to strengthen responsible data governance and build public trust in government.

This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr Babatunde Bamigboye, Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Bamigboye said the directive followed Circular No. 59805/S.I/74, dated July 27, 2026, issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume.

According to him, the directive is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that government institutions must rigorously capture information and safeguard it in accordance with the provisions of the NDP Act.

“Data is the new oil: its value increases the more it is refined and responsibly shared.

“I therefore direct all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies to capture information rigorously and safeguard it under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).

“The Federal Government Circular directs MDAs to ensure full compliance with the NDP Act, Regulations, Guidelines, and Directives issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in relation to the processing of personal data,” he said.

He further said the circular required MDAs to appoint qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance and advise management on lawful data processing, while communicating the names and contact details of the officers to the NDPC for registration.

“MDAs are to engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), where required, to facilitate compliance with the NDP Act and support the conduct of statutory compliance audits.

“MDAs are to provide adequate budgetary allocation for data protection compliance activities, including capacity building, awareness programmes, deployment of appropriate technical safeguards, and periodic compliance audits.

“Submit all mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns and other statutory returns to the NDPC within the timelines prescribed by law,” it said.

He said that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers of MDAs would be personally responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with both the circular and the provisions of the NDP Act.

He quoted Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC as commending Tinubu administration for demonstrating commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental freedoms of Nigerians.

Olatunji said data accountability was critical to achieving the administration’s eight Presidential Priorities, adding that the commission had established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support to MDAs in meeting their compliance obligations.

He said the initiative formed part of broader regulatory measures being implemented by the commission to strengthen Nigeria’s data governance framework as the country advances towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution. (NAN)

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