Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem has grown into a N16.2 billion industry within just two years of formal regulation, according to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The disclosure was made by NDPC Commissioner Dr Vincent Olatunji during a media workshop in Lagos, where he said the growth reflects a decisive shift toward enforcement-driven compliance under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023.
Olatunji said regulatory fees and sanctions have contributed over N5.2 billion to federal revenue while supporting an estimated 23,000 jobs nationwide.
“These investigations have resulted in 11 major enforcement actions, including significant financial penalties and corrective directives,” he said, warning that violations would attract serious consequences regardless of an organisation’s size.
The NDPC has concluded 246 investigations across multiple sectors, including banking, media, and telecommunications, reinforcing its role as Nigeria’s lead data protection authority.
High-profile sanctions — including a N766.2 million fine against MultiChoice Nigeria and a N555.8 million penalty against Fidelity Bank — have helped establish regulatory credibility and deter non-compliance.
Olatunji linked the enforcement drive to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion digital economy, stressing that privacy and trust are foundational to long-term digital growth.
