Nigeria is taking new steps to strengthen data privacy across its economy, signing an agreement aimed at helping millions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) comply with data protection standards.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Smartcomply Technologies Solutions Limited to create a compliance checklist designed specifically for SMEs — a sector officials say forms the backbone of the country’s workforce and digital marketplace.
NDPC chief Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who signed on behalf of the government body, said the initiative could have sweeping national impact.
“A significant share of the world’s economy is driven by SMEs, and for Nigeria, the percentage is even higher,” Olatunji said during the virtual ceremony. “Embedding privacy into SME operations will deliver enormous benefits for our country and its citizens.”
Olatunji added that the Commission plans to set up a working group to move the agreement into implementation.
Smartcomply CEO Gbemisola Osunrinde, who signed for the company, said the collaboration is aimed at strengthening trust in Nigeria’s digital environment.
“We are pleased to collaborate with the NDPC,” Osunrinde said. “This partnership is designed to deliver meaningful benefits and improved data protection outcomes for Nigerians nationwide and beyond.”
Why it matters
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, is pushing to reinforce data governance as digital services expand across fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and online education. Regulators say SMEs often handle sensitive customer information but lack the structure and expertise to fully comply with privacy laws.
The MoU is expected to:
- improve awareness and enforcement of Nigeria’s data protection law,
- reduce data breaches and identity-related fraud, and
- increase public trust in digital trade and online services.
The initiative forms part of Nigeria’s broader effort to strengthen data protection under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law in 2023.
