President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step towards safeguarding personal information and promoting data protection in Nigeria by signing the Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023 into law.
During the NDPD Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) validation workshop held in Abuja, Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), emphasized the importance of this new legislation. The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 now establishes a robust legal framework for the protection of personal information and the practice of data protection in the country.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari initially forwarded the bill to the Senate and House of Representatives for consideration and passage on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. With President Tinubu’s endorsement, the bill has now become an official Act, superseding the NDPB that was established by former President Buhari in February 2022.
Under this new law, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission will be established as the primary regulatory body responsible for overseeing the processing of personal information. The Commission will be led by a National Commissioner who will diligently monitor and enforce compliance with the data protection regulations.
The enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 signifies a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding the privacy and security of individuals’ personal data. This legislation aims to instill public trust, promote responsible data handling practices, and ensure that individuals have control over how their personal information is used.