Federal Government Generates N16.2bn in Revenue Following Data Privacy Reforms

According to Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), data protection-related activities have brought in approximately N16.2 billion for the Nigerian economy, giving Nigerians job prospects in the digital ecosystem.

Speaking at a media training workshop in Lagos during National Privacy Week 2026, “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovations,” Dr. Olatunji described privacy as a strategic confidence-building tool that will propel Nigeria’s digital transformation and draw investment. He added that this substantial revenue is supplemented by additional income from licensing and penalties.

In Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy, he proclaimed data privacy a fundamental human right and a crucial pillar for trust, equity, and freedom. He pointed out that the swift adoption of digital platforms, robotics, artificial intelligence, and telecommunications makes privacy protection not only necessary for the country’s progress but also a necessity.

The head of the NDPC emphasized that ethical reporting is essential to fostering trust in digital systems and defending people’ rights, and that media must first gain a thorough understanding of the subject before raising public awareness.

However, from the introduction of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in 2019 to the creation of the NDPC with complete legal authority, he charted the development of Nigeria’s data protection system. The strategic pillars of awareness, human capital development, collaboration, technology-driven processes, robust governance, and sustainable funding, he clarified, are what propel the commission.

He claims that these changes have completely changed the industry, increasing the number of licensed Data Protection Officers from zero to over 7,000. With the help of regional certification programs and a Virtual Privacy Academy, more than 23,000 professionals are currently employed throughout the nation’s data privacy ecosystem.

Since sector regulators now spearhead data protection initiatives throughout their industries, he continued, public sector compliance has much improved from its original 4%.

According to Olatunji, Nigeria collaborates with over 40 nations and international data protection organizations on the international scene, and NDPC is a current member of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NAPA) and the recipient of the Picasso Award for Africa’s most exceptional data protection authority.

Legal expert Barr. Alex said In a thorough analysis of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, Onwe claimed that the new law creates an essential foundation for protecting personal data in the digital era.

“The NDPA’s primary goal is to protect data subjects’ rights and freedoms, as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Onwe said.

The law’s application extends to any organization processing personal data in Nigeria, regardless of the organization’s domicile, while emphasizing its basis in fundamental human rights.

Barr? Onwe warned of harsh consequences for non-compliance, including fines of up to two percent of yearly turnover, and outlined the fundamental principles that organizations must adhere to, such as legitimate processing and strict security measures.

In addition to ensuring thorough staff training, he recommended organizations to create data privacy rules. Furthermore, since the NDPC has the authority to enforce the Act through investigations, orders, and severe fines, proactive adherence is not only required by law but also crucial for fostering confidence.