Nigeria Now Has One of Africa’s Strongest Data Protection Laws — Bosun Tijani

The minister of communications, innovation, and digital economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has said Nigeria now has one of the most progressive data protection frameworks in Africa, following the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tijani made the remark during a television program, where he highlighted the growing role of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in enforcing data privacy standards across the country.
According to the minister, the Nigeria Data Protection Act was the first legislation signed by President Tinubu after assuming office, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s digital transformation efforts.
“The first task that the president signed when he became president was the Nigeria Data Protection Act, so Nigeria now has one of the most progressive data protection commissions in Africa,” Tijani said.
He explained that companies operating in Nigeria have been compelled to establish internal procedures for handling people’s data, adding that organizations that fail to comply with the regulations have faced sanctions, including fines.
Tijani praised the Nigerian data protection agency, which he said is about two years old, for strengthening companies’ ability to protect Nigerians’ personal information through effective regulations and enforcement.
“Companies are now being fined for not having some processes in place to protect Nigerians, and the NDPC is just about two years old now,” he added.
The minister also urged Nigerians to improve their digital literacy and take personal responsibility for protecting themselves while using digital devices.