The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced that the country’s data protection ecosystem is now valued at over N16.2 billion. This growth highlights the rapid expansion of compliance efforts and regulatory supervision in parallel with the country’s digital economy.
The figure was revealed during a recent media training workshop held in Lagos, where the commission reviewed its achievements following the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in 2023.
Since the legislation took effect, regulators have intensified licensing processes, enforcement activities, and compliance monitoring for both public institutions and private organizations. This reflects increasing attention to the collection, storage, and sharing of personal data.
The NDPC reported that it has licensed 307 Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) and registered 38,677 data controllers and processors deemed to be of major importance. This marks a significant increase in regulated entities under the Act.
Additionally, more than 8,155 compliance audit returns have been submitted across the public and private sectors.
The commission has completed 246 investigations into privacy violations nationwide, leading to 11 enforcement actions. These included fines and remediation directives.
Notable cases involve a N766.2 million penalty imposed on MultiChoice Nigeria in July 2025 for unlawful cross-border transfers of subscriber data and other infractions, as well as a N555.8 million fine issued to Fidelity Bank in 2024 for improper data processing and the deployment of non-transparent tracking mechanisms.
These enforcement measures have generated N5.2 billion in compliance-related revenue, which has been remitted to the federal government. The NDPC emphasized that revenue generation is not its primary objective.
The commission further noted that the data protection ecosystem has created over 23,000 jobs, supporting employment growth amid the expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, who addressed the workshop virtually, stated that the statistics demonstrate a purposeful move toward robust, enforcement-focused regulation.
He stressed that establishing trust through accountability is vital for Nigeria’s goal of achieving a $1 trillion digital economy. He added that effective data protection frameworks are essential for drawing foreign direct investment and enabling international collaborations.
“Enforcement is the backbone of privacy protection. By concluding 246 investigations and applying meaningful consequences, we are protecting citizens and creating the secure environment needed for innovation, foreign investment, and sustainable growth,” Dr Olatunji said.
The NDPC reaffirmed its dedication to broadening compliance oversight across all industries, indicating that regulatory supervision will continue to intensify as the digital economy grows.
These advancements position Nigeria’s data protection framework as a key driver of business confidence, employment opportunities, and broader economic progress. It offers greater privacy safeguards and accountability for both individuals and organizations.
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