The commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Bamigboye said the investigation was ordered by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, following public complaints concerning the alleged misuse of students’ personal information.

According to him, the probe will establish the roles and responsibilities of the three organisations in the collection, processing and disclosure of the affected students’ data, as well as determine whether they complied with obligations under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.

He said the investigation would also assess the wider data governance implications of the case and the potential risks posed to the affected students.

“The investigation will, among others, cover Data Protection Impact Assessments, the lawfulness and transparency of any credit scoring or profiling activities, and the use of automated decision-making systems,” Bamigboye said.

He added that the commission would examine the adequacy of privacy notices, data-sharing arrangements, lawful bases for processing, data minimisation, purpose limitation, retention policies and the technical and organisational safeguards put in place to protect data subjects’ rights.

Bamigboye stressed that organisations entrusted with personal information have a responsibility to ensure that such data are processed lawfully, fairly, transparently and securely.

The NDPC official said the UNILAG case forms part of a broader effort by the commission to address data protection compliance gaps within Nigeria’s education sector.

He warned educational institutions that have yet to comply with existing NDPC directives to take their obligations seriously, noting that data protection compliance is essential to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of students and other data subjects.

The investigation will specifically determine whether students’ personal information was used to open bank accounts without a valid legal basis and whether the parties involved complied with requirements relating to consent, transparency and purpose limitation under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

The commission’s probe is expected to establish whether any violations occurred and determine the appropriate regulatory response based on its findings.

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The directive was conveyed in a compliance circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, which places personal responsibility on Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers of MDAs for ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws.

Dated July 27, 2026, Circular No. 59805/S.I/74 forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen data governance and improve public confidence in the management of citizens’ personal information.

According to the circular, the directive follows an instruction from President Bola Tinubu, who described data as a strategic national asset requiring stronger protection.

“Data is the new oil: its value increases the more it is refined and responsibly shared. I therefore direct all Ministries, Extra Ministerial Departments and Agencies to capture information rigorously and safeguard it under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023,” the President was quoted as saying.

The circular requires all federal MDAs to comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, related regulations, guidelines and directives issued by the NDPC governing the processing of personal data.

It also directs every MDA to appoint suitably qualified officers as Data Protection Officers responsible for overseeing compliance and advising management on lawful data processing practices.

In addition, agencies are required to submit the names and contact details of their designated DPOs to the NDPC for registration.

Where necessary, MDAs are expected to engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) to conduct mandatory compliance audits and support implementation efforts.

The government further instructed agencies to make adequate budgetary provisions for data protection activities, including staff training, public awareness programmes, technical safeguards and periodic compliance audits.

MDAs are also required to submit all mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns and other statutory filings to the NDPC within the timelines prescribed by law.

The circular states that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers will be held personally accountable for ensuring compliance with the directive.

Reacting to the development, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Tinubu administration for demonstrating strong political commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental rights of Nigerians.

He said the Commission had established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support to MDAs implementing the new requirements.

According to the NDPC, the directive forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data governance framework as the country advances its digital transformation agenda and prepares for the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

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The directive was announced in a statement issued by the Minister following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the three agencies.

According to Tijani, the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy has resulted in areas where the mandates of sector regulators increasingly overlap, making coordinated policymaking necessary.

He said greater regulatory alignment is required to promote legal certainty, encourage investment, strengthen consumer confidence and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.

Under the directive, existing regulatory arrangements relating to internet platforms and online intermediaries will remain in place while the harmonisation process continues.

The Minister also instructed the agencies to defer the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, frameworks and administrative requirements relating to internet platforms and other cross-cutting digital economy matters currently under review.

He clarified that the directive does not affect responsibilities that fall squarely within each agency’s statutory mandate under existing laws.

As part of the process, the Ministry will establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Minister’s office.

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National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, disclosed the plan in Abuja on Friday during activities marking three years since the Nigeria Data Protection Act was signed into law.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Olatunji said rapid advancements in digital technology have made parts of the legislation due for review.

He explained that when the law was drafted, emerging technologies were referenced broadly because many of the innovations shaping today’s digital economy had not yet become mainstream.

“We are in the era of emerging technologies. At that time, we could only make general references to emerging technologies, but today we can specifically mention Artificial Intelligence, robotics and big data,” he said.

“Ten years ago, nobody was talking about AI the way we are doing now, but today it has become central to virtually every aspect of digital transformation. We need to be more specific about what constitutes emerging technologies and provide examples because the technologies keep evolving,” he added.

While advocating stronger legal provisions for artificial intelligence, Olatunji stressed that human oversight must remain a critical component of AI deployment.

“We still need the human component. We should not leave everything to artificial intelligence,” he said.

He also highlighted concerns around digital footprints, privacy and data governance, noting that regulators must continuously adapt to technological developments.

According to Olatunji, Nigeria’s commitment to periodically reviewing its data protection framework distinguishes it from some countries that continue to rely on legislation enacted more than a decade ago.

He said regular reviews would help ensure that the law remains relevant as new technologies emerge.

Looking ahead, the NDPC chief expressed confidence in the future of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, predicting greater awareness, compliance and trust among citizens, businesses and investors.

“I see growth, development, awareness and greater trust in the ecosystem. Compliance will become a necessity rather than an option,” he said.

“We are building a culture of privacy that will make investors and other stakeholders see Nigeria as a country that is ready for digital business. The rights, freedoms and interests of Nigerians and legal residents will be adequately protected,” he added.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act was signed into law on June 12, 2023, establishing a legal framework for the protection of personal data and privacy rights in the country.

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Nigeria recorded 281,500 leaked accounts in the first quarter of 2026, ranking 34th among the world’s most breached countries, according to a new report released by cybersecurity company Surfshark.

The firm’s latest quarterly data breach analysis revealed that 210.3 million accounts were compromised globally between January and March 2026, with the United States responsible for 29 per cent of all reported breaches during the period.

France emerged as the second most affected country worldwide, followed by India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom.

According to the report, Nigeria has recorded 24.1 million compromised accounts since 2004, making it the third most impacted country in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Surfshark disclosed that 7.5 million unique email addresses linked to Nigerian users have been exposed over the years, while nearly 13 million passwords were leaked alongside Nigerian accounts.

The report warned that about 54 per cent of affected Nigerian users are vulnerable to account hijacking, identity theft, extortion, and other cyber-related crimes.

“Statistically, 10 out of 100 Nigerian people have been affected by data breaches,” the report stated.

The analysis further showed that leaked information tied to Nigerian users included highly sensitive personal data such as Social Security-related records, financial information, contact details, and residential addresses.

According to the findings, approximately 3,900 Social Security-related records and 1,600 payment card details were exposed, alongside 1.9 million phone numbers and more than 925,000 residential addresses.

Globally, the number of breached accounts in Q1 2026 tripled compared to the same period in 2025 and increased by 22 per cent relative to the fourth quarter of 2025.

Commenting on the rising trend, Surfshark’s Chief Security Officer, Tomas Stamulis, attributed the surge in data breaches to the growing adoption of artificial intelligence technologies by businesses.

He explained that more organisations are storing larger volumes of user data and integrating additional digital systems as AI adoption accelerates.

The report cited industry figures showing that 20.2 per cent of companies used AI in 2025, up significantly from 8.7 per cent in 2023.

“These AI-driven systems collect and log more detailed user information for automation, analytics, and model improvement,” Stamulis said.

He noted that while AI enhances operational efficiency, it also expands the number of systems companies must secure, thereby increasing exposure to cyber attacks and data leaks.

Stamulis further warned that stolen personal information can remain valuable to cybercriminals for years, even after users change compromised passwords or email addresses.

According to him, hackers often merge old and new data leaks into so-called “combo lists,” which are repeatedly sold or used for fraud and identity theft schemes.

He advised internet users to share sensitive personal information only when absolutely necessary, use alternative email identities or masking services where possible, and avoid oversharing personal data online.

Last month, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission raised concerns over coordinated cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s financial systems and critical digital infrastructure.

The commission said its technical assessment uncovered coordinated operations by “shadowy threat actors” targeting key national systems.

It subsequently urged organisations handling personal data to strengthen both technical and organisational safeguards in order to protect Nigerians and other data subjects from privacy breaches and cyber risks.

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The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has underscored the central role of policy as an enabler of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

Speaking during a panel session at the IoT West Africa Conference on the theme “The Lagos-Abuja Digital Corridor: Building Africa’s Next Data Centre and Cloud Hub”, the NITDA boss who was represented by Dr Aristotle Onumo, Director, Stakeholders Management and Partnership emphasised that while infrastructure responds to demand, policy remains the critical driver that creates an enabling environment for sustainable digital growth.

IoT West Africa is a premier platform that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore advancements in Internet of Things, (IoT) smart cities, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Digital Transformation.

He explained that Nigeria’s broadband policy, which stipulates minimum speeds of 10 Mbps for rural areas and 25 Mbps for urban centres, provides a strategic framework for prioritising infrastructure deployment along the Lagos-Abuja digital corridor. He cautioned, however, that without deliberate collaboration and partnership between government, the private sector, and civil society, widespread infrastructure rollout would remain challenging. “Collaboration is the pathway that massifies impact, while partnership harnesses collective intelligence. No one can achieve this in isolation,” he said.

Dr Onumo also spoke on the Nigerian Sovereign Cloud Project; a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening indigenous cloud service providers and preventing the dominance of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure by foreign hyperscale operators. By scaling local infrastructure to meet global standards, the project seeks to domesticate data hosting, reduce operational costs, and improve access to cloud services across the country.

He further stressed that policy must not only enable infrastructure development but also stimulate demand. As an example, he cited the consolidation of servers by government agencies, which creates significant demand for cloud services and, in turn, drives investment in data centres. He emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in co-creating, co-owning, and co-delivering data centres and digital services.

“We are no longer looking at IT from the perspective of infrastructure alone, but as an integrated system that creates value for the people,” Onumo said.

He called on stakeholders across sectors to work with NITDA in building a digital Nigeria, stating: “If we must achieve our mission, we need you, and you need us. Together, we can make Nigeria a digitally enabled nation, fostering inclusive economic development through technological innovation.”

Highlighting NITDA’s strategic action plan, Onumo referenced initiatives such as the Digital Literacy for All programme, which aims to ensure that 70 per cent of Nigerians acquire digital skills by 2027. Through partnerships with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), he noted that NITDA is deploying digital literacy champions across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas, with a target of training 30 million Nigerians within three years. “That is the power of collaboration and partnership,” he added.

In his remarks, National Commissioner/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, while delivering the Day 2 keynote speech stressed the importance of safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy through strong data protection and privacy frameworks.

He highlighted data sovereignty, the growing role of data centres, and regulatory expectations under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, noting both the benefits of compliance and the risks of non-compliance. Dr Olatunji underscored that data centres are now critical infrastructure for Nigeria’s digital transformation.

While decrying that over 90 per cent of the Nigeria’s data is hosted abroad which is precarious for the nation’s sovereignty he encouraged for more investment in the sector as it is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2031.

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My recent visit to Gombe for a capacity-building programme on Artificial Intelligence and strategic communication offered more than professional engagement—it provided a revealing glimpse into the state’s evolving political dynamics ahead of the next gubernatorial race.

From the airport to the city centre, one could not miss the growing visibility of Professor Ali Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy. His images adorned commercial vehicles and strategic locations, signalling what many interpret as an early but deliberate build-up of political momentum.

I must state upfront that Pantami is a brotherly friend with whom I have shared years of a professional relationship. He listens, reflects, and applies constructive criticism—even when such engagement is not publicly acknowledged. Over time, this trait has shaped my own perspective about him, transforming me from a critic into an admirer of his policy-driven approach to governance.

This evolution informed my decision to author “Pantami: Trials and Triumphs of a Digital Economy Maestro,” a work that chronicles his reform agenda, policy battles, achievements, and controversies during his tenure in public office. His role in navigating complex institutional disputes—from multiple taxation in the telecom sector to the NIN-SIM linkage challenges and stamp duty controversies—demonstrated an uncommon capacity to manage bureaucratic tensions within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

Equally significant were the external pressures he confronted, including the ASUU versus IPPIS/UTAS dispute, the controversy surrounding his professorship at Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO), and allegations linking him to extremist narratives. These episodes tested his resilience, yet they also reinforced his ability to withstand public scrutiny.

Beyond controversies, Pantami’s legacy in expanding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure is undeniable. Institutions such as the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre (NDIEC), and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) stand as enduring pillars of his contribution to the country’s digital transformation. These initiatives not only strengthened the country’s digital ecosystem but also created new economic opportunities.

Given this background, his entry into the gubernatorial race under the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not a surprise. What is more intriguing, however, is the intensity of reactions—both supportive and oppositional—that his ambition has generated.

During my interactions with journalists, academics, students, and even artisans in Gombe, I sought to understand the political terrain beyond social media narratives. The responses I received were candid, diverse, and, in some cases, sobering.

There are indeed forces—both within the state and at the federal level—who would prefer alternative candidates to emerge as the APC flag bearer. For some, Pantami’s perceived bluntness, independent-mindedness, and principled stances make him a difficult figure within conventional political structures. For others, it is simply a matter of competing interests and entrenched loyalties.

To move beyond speculation, I probed further: who are the likely contenders?
At the federal level, names such as Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali—a two-term senator and former Minister of Transportation—feature prominently. His political network and relationship with Vice President Kashim Shettima are seen as strategic advantages. Similarly, Hon. Usman Bello Kumo, a three-term member of the House of Representatives and Chief Whip, is widely regarded as a formidable contender with strong legislative backing.

Within the state, influential figures such as the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, and the Accountant-General, Prince Aminu Umar Yuguda—both considered close allies of Governor Inuwa Yahaya—are also being mentioned in political calculations.

From the private sector, Dr. Jamilu Isyaku Gwamna, former Managing Director of the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), is reputed to possess strong financial backing and elite networks. Other notable figures include Architect Yunusa Yakubu of Nobel Nigeria Ltd and Engr. Aliyu Mohammed (Combat) of the Velocity Group—both successful entrepreneurs with growing political interest.

While many of these aspirants are yet to formally declare their intentions, Pantami has already taken the decisive step of publicly announcing his ambition—an indication of confidence and readiness.

The critical question, however, is not just about who is contesting, but what the electorate truly desires. Pantami arguably enjoys a unique advantage in name recognition, intellectual pedigree, and a public service track record that resonates beyond partisan lines. His blend of religious scholarship, technological expertise, and administrative experience positions him differently from traditional politicians.

Yet, politics is rarely decided by credentials alone.

There are legitimate concerns about whether his technocratic style can seamlessly translate into grassroots political leadership. There are also debates about the role of religious scholars in partisan politics—a discourse that often surfaces in Nigeria’s complex socio-political environment.

However, such arguments must be approached with balance. Nigeria has seen Christian clerics ascend to governorships. The 2023 elections were spectacular as two ordained Christian ministers — Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, a Catholic priest, and Pastor Umo Eno, founder of All Nations Christian Ministry International — were sworn in as Governors of Benue and Akwa Ibom States, respectively. Many observers viewed this as a culmination of longstanding advocacy by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for greater Christian participation in politics.

It would therefore be inconsistent to deny an Islamic scholar the same democratic opportunity to test his competence through the ballot. Ultimately, democracy thrives on choice, not exclusion.

As observers—particularly those of us who are not direct participants in Gombe’s political process—it is neither our place to impose candidates nor to dismiss legitimate aspirations. We can advocate for a fair, transparent, and competitive process that lets the best ideas and leadership qualities emerge.

Yushau A. Shuaib, the Author of “An Encounter with the Spymaster” writes from Abuja and can be reach via yashuaib@gmail.com

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In a Data Protection Advisory issued on Thursday, the Commission said its technical assessment had uncovered activities by “shadowy threat actors” aimed at compromising key systems across sectors.

The warning reflects growing concern among regulators over the vulnerability of institutions that underpin payments, banking, telecommunications, cloud services, and public sector digital platforms.

In the advisory signed by the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, the NDPC called on data controllers and processors, including government agencies, to enhance both technical and organisational safeguards.

The Commission stressed the need for compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, noting that organisations must take immediate steps to protect personal data and reduce exposure to cyber risks.

Recommended measures include appointing certified Data Protection Officers, implementing robust privacy policies, and conducting Data Privacy Impact Assessments. The NDPC also urged organisations to adopt stronger security controls such as multi-factor authentication, zero trust architecture, network segmentation, and continuous patch management.

Additional safeguards highlighted include securing cloud infrastructure, application programming interfaces, and databases, alongside deploying real-time monitoring and threat detection systems. The Commission also advised regular vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and maintaining resilient backup and recovery systems.

The advisory comes amid ongoing investigations into an alleged data breach involving Remita Payment Services, Sterling Bank, and other entities, as regulators intensify scrutiny of data protection practices in Nigeria.

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The regulator said it issued a formal notice of investigation on April 1, 2026, to determine the scope of the alleged incident, the type of data exposed, and risks to affected individuals.

The probe follows online claims by a threat actor known as “ByteToBreach,” who alleged responsibility for breaching systems linked to both organisations. Reports suggest that terabytes of sensitive data, including identity documents, banking details, and internal records, may have been exposed.

The Commission said it is also assessing mitigation steps taken and will ensure adequate protection measures for affected data subjects.

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The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) have officially entered into a strategic partnership to fortify the digital ecosystem of the Organised Private Sector (OPS). The formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place yesterday, 6th March, 2026, at the NACCIMA Corporate Office in Abuja, marking a milestone in national data governance and regulatory compliance.

The MoU establishes a framework for strategic cooperation between both organizations to promote awareness, build capacity, and support Nigerian businesses—particularly SMEs—in adopting global data protection standards. The partnership will also support initiatives that enhance trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and encourage responsible data governance among businesses.

Speaking during the engagement, the National Commissioner/CEO of NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, emphasized the importance of collaboration between regulators and the private sector in building a trusted digital economy. He noted that trust remains a critical factor for investment and digital transactions, stressing that protecting data is essential in an increasingly digital world where virtually everyone with a mobile phone is exposed to data risks.

In his remarks, the National President of NACCIMA, Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim, commended the NDPC leadership for the progress being made in strengthening Nigeria’s data protection framework. He reiterated that data has become a strategic resource in today’s economy and emphasized the importance of protecting it to build investor confidence and support business growth.

The National President also highlighted the role of NACCIMA as the current chair of the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria and expressed optimism that the partnership with NDPC will enhance awareness, compliance, and digital trust among Nigerian businesses.

The collaboration will also support initiatives such as capacity-building programmes and engagement with relevant stakeholders to promote responsible data management practices within the private sector.

NDPC Delegation

1. Dr Vincent Olatunji, NC/CEO, NDPC

2. Babatunde Bamigboye Esq. Head, Legal Enforcement and Regulations

3. Mrs Abiola Jide-Abe, Head Strategy, Partnerships and Communications

4. SP Austin Madaki, Head Police and Investigations

5. Olayinka Oyebanji, Office of the NC

6. Saratu Samande, T.A Legal to the NC

7. Itunu Dosekun, Head Media

8. Aroso Akintomide, Media Officer

9. Jesulayomi Olubamise, Media Officer

NACCIMA Delegation

1. Engr. (Dr.) Jani Ibrahim – National President

2. Dr. Emmanuel Akeh – Director, NACCIMA Corporate Office, Abuja

3. Amb. Olusegun Olugbile – Chair, NACCIMA Digital Economy Trade Group

4. Amb. Janet Olisa – S.A. to NP on international affairs and Chair, NACCIMA Global

5. Mr. Suleiman Ibrahim – S.A. to the NP

6. Amb. Suleman Audu – Technical Adviser to the NP & Chair, AfCFTA Trade Group

7. Ifeoma Ozue – Business Development Manager, NACCIMA

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