Inuwa made the remarks while delivering an address at the Nigeria Data Privacy Capacity Building Workshop, organised by the United States Department of State in collaboration with the Nigerian Mission and key stakeholders in the country’s digital ecosystem.

He described the workshop as a reaffirmation of the long-standing partnership between Nigeria and the United States in advancing Nigeria’s digital and technical systems, noting that the engagement builds on existing cooperation rather than introducing a new initiative.

According to Inuwa, both countries agreed in April 2024, through the U.S.–Nigeria Binational Commission, to jointly advance priority areas including data privacy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, capacity development and broader digital transformation efforts.

He recalled that the partnership had already yielded tangible outcomes, including the successful hosting of an Artificial Intelligence Conference co-organised by the Nigerian government and the U.S. Mission in Nigeria, as well as Nigeria’s engagement with U.S.-based cybersecurity firms to explore technology partnerships.

Inuwa said NITDA’s focus on data privacy, AI and cybersecurity is driven by the need to build trust within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, stressing that trust is a critical enabler of digital transformation. He noted that without trust, innovation slows and costs rise, while a trusted ecosystem accelerates growth and reduces barriers to adoption.

He further emphasised that artificial intelligence, data privacy and cybersecurity are deeply interconnected, explaining that AI systems rely on data, data requires privacy protections, and privacy can only be assured through strong security frameworks.

The NITDA chief described the workshop as a foundation for deeper collaboration in other strategic areas, as Nigeria positions itself as an important player in the global digital economy.

He disclosed that following the participation of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Conference last year, plans are underway to expand the event into an international cybersecurity conference this year. The expanded conference, he said, would allow U.S. cybersecurity companies to showcase their technologies, partner with Nigerian firms, and jointly strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Inuwa also reassured partners and stakeholders of NITDA’s commitment to creating policies and an enabling environment that support innovation, noting that Nigeria and Africa represent the next frontier of the digital economy, driven by a young, digital-native population and a rapidly growing market.

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The announcement came before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja, who had scheduled a ruling on the NDPC’s preliminary objection against Meta and the company’s motion to amend its court filings.

Meta challenged the NDPC’s February 18, 2025, decision, which imposed fines and corrective measures following allegations that the company engaged in behavioral advertising without Nigerian users’ consent, failed to file a 2022 compliance audit, violated cross-border data transfer rules, and processed data of non-users. Meta argued it was denied fair hearing and due process.

NDPC, however, contended that Meta’s lawsuit was defective, claiming the tech giant sought to amend its reliefs under the guise of harmonizing documents, which is not allowed under court rules.

During Friday’s proceedings, Meta’s lawyer, Fred Onwuobia, SAN, requested the court defer its ruling, citing the parties’ advanced stage of settlement discussions. NDPC’s counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, confirmed the progress of the talks, urging the court to adjourn for the parties to submit settlement terms as a consent judgment.

Justice Omotosho welcomed the settlement approach and adjourned the matter to October 31, 2025, for either a ruling or adoption of settlement terms.

The NDPC fine against Meta is part of the commission’s enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law in June 2023 to safeguard Nigerians’ data privacy. In a similar case, the commission recently fined Pay-TV operator Multichoice Nigeria N766.2 million for violating data protection regulations.

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 A Guide to Safe AI Interactions

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has ushered in a new era of technological marvels. However, as we embrace the convenience and innovation offered by AI-powered chatbots, it is imperative to exercise caution and protect our personal information.

AI bots are owned by tech companies known for exploiting our trusting human nature, and they’re designed using algorithms that drive their profits. There are no guardrails or laws governing what they can and cannot do with the information they gather.

One of the primary concerns is the potential misuse of personal data. AI chatbots, while designed to assist users, are inherently data-hungry. They collect a vast array of information, including IP addresses, browsing history, and other personal details. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to be mindful of the information we share with these AI systems.

Here are some essential tips to safeguard your privacy while interacting with AI chatbots:

• Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information: Refrain from disclosing sensitive information such as passwords, financial details, medical records, or confidential business data.
• Use Caution with Personal Identifiers: Be mindful of sharing personal information like your name, address, or phone number. Consider using aliases or fictitious details to protect your privacy.
• Be Wary of Malicious Requests: Avoid engaging in conversations that promote illegal or harmful activities. Such actions may lead to account restrictions or legal repercussions.
• Protect Your Accounts: When creating accounts for AI chatbots, opt for email-based logins instead of social media integrations to minimize the risk of data breaches.
• Leverage Privacy Settings: Utilize the privacy settings available on AI platforms to control the amount of data collected and processed.

By following these guidelines, individuals can harness the power of AI while safeguarding their personal information. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about the latest security best practices and to approach AI interactions with a critical eye.

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Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, has urged Nigerians to exercise restraint when sharing content on social media platforms to safeguard their personal data.Speaking at a meeting with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Abuja.

Dr. Tijani emphasized the significance of data privacy as a fundamental human right and not just a matter of convenience.

He highlighted the growing importance of digitalization in Nigeria and the need for individuals to maintain the confidentiality of their personal and sensitive information.

The Minister assured citizens that the government is committed to ensuring the security of digital platforms and preventing the misuse of personal data.

He expressed concern about the indiscriminate sharing of messages on social media and called for increased awareness and responsible data handling.

Dr. Tijani emphasized that protecting data is not solely the government’s responsibility; every citizen has a duty to educate others on the value of their data and how to protect it.

He reiterated the government’s dedication to building a digital economy with robust data security measures.He stated, “The digital economy is an era of growth and innovation that requires us to nurture it.

The president is interested in the power of the digital economy, and as we encourage technological development, we should prioritize data security and protection.

Dr. Tijani urged for a cultural shift towards valuing and upholding data privacy and protection, not just as technicalities but as fundamental values.

He called for collective efforts to ensure responsible data management and security.

In addition to commending the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) led by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the Minister revealed that the government is actively collaborating with stakeholders, including the national assembly, to establish robust data protection laws aligned with international standards.

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TECHDIGEST- According to President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration is still dedicated to raising the Nigerian data privacy score on the worldwide scale. 

He addressed at the National Shared Service Center for the Galaxy Backbone’s recent opening in Abuja.

READALSO: Smartphone affordability worsens as price rises by 10%

The facility is designed to give government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and businesses in the private sector reliable connectivity infrastructures. Additionally, it will aid in addressing new cyber threats to national digital assets and infrastructure.

“Our administration’s commitment to promoting data promotion and privacy is receiving praise across the world and we have increased our digital identity enrolments from 39 million in October 2020 to about 92 million today,” the president said. “The massive increase of about 63 million in about two years is a global success story and has led to several requests for partnership from countries within and outside Africa.

“I also approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau NDPB] on the 4th of February, 2022 to provide an institutional framework for data protection in Nigeria, in line with global best practices.”

The National Assembly is now debating the NDPB bill, which would establish institutional and legal foundations for the country’s budding data protection industry.

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TECHDIGEST – With data privacy and protection gaining prominence and recognition across the globe through its impact on digital economy, wealth creation and employability, it has become imperative for all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the country to ensure the full protection, privacy and confidentiality of all citizenry data under their purview.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner (NC) of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), made this known during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) office in Abuja.

READ ALSO: NCC To Consumers: Protect Telecom Infrastructure

Speaking on the importance of data privacy and protection in a digital economy, Olatunji stated that the digitization of existing traditional processes which also affects individuals from birth to their deaths should be given utmost attention and priority considering its value.

“Now we are talking about digitizing all processes right from birth of individuals to their death which has laid credence to the fact that we have to adequately protect the kind of information and data we upload on the internet”, he noted.

According to the Bureau’s CEO, data subjects need to know how their data is been handled, processed and protected by data processors in a global digital economy worth over $11.5trillion.

The Data Security Officer of the country expressed the importance of data privacy and protection as a necessary element in the drive for a digital economy while emphatically stating that countries will not do businesses with other countries who don’t have privacy laws.

He then urged NIPOST which is a major data processor and controller considering the volume of data they process daily to develop robust privacy policy, organizational measures, technological measures and staff capacity building in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulations (NDPR).

“On your website, you need to emphasize more on your privacy policy which must be simple, effective and clearly displayed. We will also be building the capacities of your regional officers on data protection procedures since they are the frontliners who have direct interaction with people and their data”, he added.

While highlighting the need for NIPOST to engage a Data Protection Compliance Organization (DPCO) to put them through NDPR compliance measures, Olatunji averred that DPCOs have been instrumental in the traction gained in the implementation of the NDPR which has also helped in the growth of the Nation’s economy.

“We have licensed 103 DPCOs and an average DPCO employs nothing less than 10 people depending on their capacity and the number of clients they are dealing with. This has helped in job creation in the country with a total of over 8000 jobs created in the ecosystem”, he disclosed

Emphasizing further, the NC mentioned that DPCOs will take NIPOST through the compliance process on an annual basis and file their audit report with the Bureau which will be published subsequently on the Bureau’s website.

The published report according to Olatunji will lay credence to the fact that NIPOST has complied fully, taken the issue of data privacy seriously and demonstrate synergy amongst the agencies under the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

He then advised the management of NIPOST to ensure that all courier and logistics companies under them comply with data privacy in order to earn the trust of Nigerians.

“We are developing tool kits for different sectors in the country based on their peculiarities and will work with you to ensure that the provisions of the NDPR are not only complied with but seen as a culture”, Dr Olatunji concluded.

Reacting to the National Commissioner’s address, the NIPOST Postmaster General, Dr. Ismail Adebayo Adewusi commended the Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) for recommending the appointment of Dr. Olatunji as the pioneer National Commissioner of the Bureau.

“Truth be told, Dr. Olatunji is a highly professional and cerebral technocrat who has adequately discharged all the assignments he has been entrusted to handle over the years and is a perfection description of a round peg in a round hole”, he asserted.

The PMG then applauded the Bureau for their unflinching and consistent efforts thus far in ensuring the protection of data in the country.

He disclosed that the corporation has been educating and sensitizing people on the role of posts in a digital economy considering the critical role they play in the movement of people’s goods, parcels, mails and financial services across the globe.

Stating that NIPOST is at the center of dealing with people’s information, Adewusi said they have a serious responsibility to protect people’s data within their domain and promised to work closely with the Bureau in achieving this.

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TECHDIGEST – The Federal Government has explained that it created the National Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) to ensure robust protection of the data privacy of Nigerians by agencies empowered by law.

The federal government also revealed that it is working on a draft, Digital Rights Law, to ensure that the data privacy of Nigerians on the internet was not violated.

Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, who stated this in Abuja at a Roundtable Discussion on Data Privacy and Protection in Nigeria, said that the law would be passed by the National Assembly before the end of 2022.

The roundtable discussion entitled: “Assessing Data Protection in Nigeria,” was organised by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC)

Pantami, who was represented by Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, National Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), explained that the law would ensure the data privacy of Nigerians on the internet was not violated.

“It is important for any country operating in the digital space to have agencies that would regulate the space and implement data privacy protection.

“Since we started with the regulation, we hope to have a law that will make it an act of parliament to adequately protect Nigerians.

“It will ensure we regulate what people do online in terms of how to protect their data privacy, and that users’ freedom is guaranteed, and also mandate companies to file data privacy compliance reports,” Pantami said.

Earlier, Nkem Ilo, president, PPDC, urged the government to collaborate with civil society organisations and the private sector, to educate Nigerians on data rights and violations.

Nkem advocated that technology users should be conscious of personal data disclosures while online, in order to avoid data breaches.

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TECHDIGEST – 2022 marks the third year in which Nigeria will be joining the international community to celebrate the World Data Privacy Day – an international event that occurs on January 28th of every year. The purpose of Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness, promote privacy and data protection best practices. It is currently observed in the United States of America, Canada, and over 40 European countries since 2007. The international celebration offers opportunities for collaboration among governments, industries, academia, nonprofit organizations, privacy professionals, educators, etc

As a global event, Data Privacy Day encourages: compliance with Data Privacy laws and regulations; dialogues among stakeholders interested in advancing data protection and privacy and provides a robust platform for global networking and local action on mutually cherished principles of data privacy.

The initiative that was initially on raising awareness to protect information of government and private sectors’ business transactions, expanded over the years to include families, consumers and all online activities as a result of revolution brought by digital devices.Of a truth, a vast majority of our people are generally unfamiliar with the risks involved in data processing. In the same vein, they are hardly aware of what they can do if they consider that their rights have been breached. .

There are approximately 108.75 million internet users in Nigeria and the figure is projected to grow to 143.26 million by 2026. According to Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, internet penetration stood at 51.44% of the country’s population in 2021, and will likely reach 59.92 percent by the year 2026.

The appointment of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, (now Minister of Communications and Digital Economy) as the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), marked a turning point in the history of data privacy in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NITDA issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019. It applies to both the public and the private organizations as they process personal data of Nigerian citizens and Nigerian residents anywhere in the world. The Regulation is aimed at protecting the right to privacy, creating the right environment for digital transactions, job creation and improving information management practices in the country.

Working in concert with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, NITDA has sustained the momentum of data privacy protection in Nigeria. For instance, from approximately 600 organizations filing privacy audit report in 2020, Nigeria now has at least 1230 organizations in 2021.

The incumbent Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, memorably shared Nigeria’s strides in the international community thus: “in less than 2 years of active implementation of NDPR in Nigeria, we were admitted to the Common Thread Network (a Network of Data Protection Authorities of Commonwealth countries). We also got admitted as a full member of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA). Our contribution at the Africa Union’s Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA) Data Protection Laws’ Harmonization Work Group led to Nigeria being considered for inclusion in the list of countries where a developed framework for data laws harmonization was tested.”

The impact of NDPR on job and wealth creation is also remarkable. 7,680 jobs were created, and 5,746 Nigerians were trained on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in 2021. The sector is currently valued at N4,080,000,000, using median value of audit implementation cost, according to the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE.

Before the introduction of the NDPR, no Nigerian entity could boast of full compliance with data protection laws. A handful of multinationals had some level of compliance imposed on them by their parent companies. The narrative changed drastically within one year. Fromzero compliance in 2018 Nigeria now has over 1230 organizations filing NDPR Compliance.

The place of NDPR in human rights jurisprudence have been litigated in our courts. Gladly, our courts, as the bastion of justice, have established a binding precedent to the effect that NDPR is rooted in the section 37 of the 1999 Constitution. The section provides thus: The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected. The implication of this is that no data controller or data processor can wish away the NDPR. See the case of Incorporated Trustees of Digital Lawyers Initiative &Ors. V. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) CA/ IB/291/2020.

It is believed that the future of work will be fundamentally different when digital machines are deployed in virtually everything that we do. Soon, the new machines: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will be a platform of innovation in Nigeria, especially in instrumenting, automating, tracking, and analyzing the core operations of businesses.

While exploring and utilizing these digital economy potentials, NITDA is always proactive in creating awareness on how Nigerians can protect their personal information. It is only when customers trust their activities online that digital economy will thrive.

To deter breach of data privacy, NDPR provides that: “Any person subject to the Regulation who is found to be in breach of the data privacy rights of any Data Subject shall be liable, in addition to any other criminal liability, to the following: a) in the case of a Data Controller dealing with more than 10,000 Data Subjects, payment of the fine of 2% of Annual Gross Revenue of the preceding year or payment of the sum of 10 million Naira, whichever is greater; b) in the case of a Data Controller dealing with less than 10,000 Data Subjects, payment of the fine of 1% of the Annual Gross Revenue of the preceding year or payment of the sum of 2 million Naira, whichever is greater.

This clearly shows that NITDA, acting as Nigeria’s data regulatory body, is committed to protecting citizens’ data to ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive locally and internationally.
Nigeria is the only country in Africa that dedicates a full week 24th – 28th January of every year to raise awareness on data protection with series of programmes, both physically and virtually.

NITDA is playing its role in the best possible way to attract investment, open more digital job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming population and support the security architecture by effectively implementing its mandate of protecting peoples’ data.

The implication of the foregoing is that Nigeria with over 200 million citizens can tackle any prejudice or misgivings about digitization through a potent regulatory instrument on data privacy. The resulting effect is momentum for a sustainable digital economy. This momentum will invariable create jobs for essential public services. It is however important for Nigerians to take ownership of the legal regulatory framework on data privacy with a view to sustaining the present administration’s effort in building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

Mubarak Umar writes from Abuja

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