NDPC Sensitizes Banex Plaza Traders on Data Protection During National Privacy Week 2025

Abuja, Nigeria – In a bid to enhance data protection awareness and compliance across Nigeria, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has taken its sensitization campaign to Banex Plaza, Abuja, as part of the activities marking National Privacy Week 2025. Banex Plaza, known as one of Abuja’s busiest commercial centers for computers, mobile phones, and electronic gadgets, was chosen due to the high volume of digital transactions and data exchanges that occur daily.

The sensitization exercise was aimed at educating traders, business owners, and tenants on the importance of data privacy, their rights as data subjects, and their responsibilities as data controllers and processors. NDPC officials engaged shop owners in interactive discussions on how to handle customer information securely, prevent data breaches, and comply with Nigeria’s data protection regulations.

Raising Awareness on Data Security in Commercial Spaces

During the session, NDPC representatives emphasized the risks associated with poor data management practices, particularly in businesses that deal with large volumes of personal information, such as contact details, identity documents, and financial data. Traders were informed about the legal consequences of mishandling personal data, including penalties for non-compliance with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act.

The NDPC team also demonstrated best practices for data security, such as:
✅ Limiting access to sensitive customer information
✅ Using secure payment and transaction methods
✅ Safeguarding customers’ data from unauthorized third parties
✅ Adopting data protection policies within their businesses

According to an NDPC spokesperson, the outreach aligns with the commission’s commitment to promoting a culture of privacy, security, and compliance across all sectors of the economy. “Many business owners, especially in commercial hubs like Banex Plaza, handle sensitive customer data every day. It is crucial that they understand the importance of protecting this data to prevent fraud, identity theft, and unauthorized data usage,” the spokesperson noted.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Data Protection Culture

The National Privacy Week serves as a platform for NDPC to intensify its advocacy on data protection and privacy rights, particularly in a rapidly digitizing economy where data security has become a global concern. This initiative reflects the commission’s broader mission to enhance public awareness, enforce compliance, and build a secure digital environment for businesses and individuals in Nigeria.

Traders at Banex Plaza welcomed the sensitization exercise, acknowledging that many were previously unaware of their obligations under the data protection law. Some business owners expressed willingness to implement stronger security measures in handling customer data to build trust and avoid legal infractions.

The NDPC has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding its outreach efforts, targeting more businesses and organizations across Nigeria to ensure that data privacy becomes a fundamental aspect of commercial and digital transactions.