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NDPC Launches  Yoruba Version of Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to Deepen Public Awareness

Anthony Emeka Nwosu

In a landmark move to promote digital inclusion and strengthen data privacy awareness, the National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with Meta, has launched the Yoruba translation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023. The initiative marks a significant step in bringing the nation’s data protection framework closer to its citizens, ensuring that Nigerians across linguistic and cultural divides understand their rights and obligations in today’s rapidly digitizing world.

The event, held at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat in Lagos, was attended by dignitaries from government, traditional institutions, civil society, and the technology sector. The Yoruba version of the Act was officially unveiled by the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, as part of the Commission’s ongoing effort to enhance inclusivity and data protection literacy across the country.

The Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, signed into law on June 12, 2023, is Nigeria’s first comprehensive legislation on personal data protection. It replaces the 2019 Nigeria Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) and establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as the national authority responsible for enforcing data privacy and compliance. The Act applies to all organizations operating in Nigeria, including international companies processing the data of Nigerian residents. It mandates that data must be collected and processed lawfully, fairly, and securely, with proper consent from individuals.

Importantly, the NDPA introduces “legitimate interest” as a valid legal basis for processing personal data and requires organizations to register as data controllers or processors. The law further compels entities to report data breaches to the NDPC within 72 hours. To ensure compliance, the Act imposes strict penalties for violations, including heavy fines and possible imprisonment—an indication of Nigeria’s firm commitment to protecting individual privacy and fostering trust in its digital economy.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Olatunji described the NDPA as “a landmark achievement that provides the country with a robust legal framework for personal data protection.” He noted that the Act’s enforcement principles—covering consent, impact assessments, and data security—represent a significant advancement in Nigeria’s digital governance landscape.

“We must understand that if our identity is not protected, there are serious consequences,” Dr. Olatunji stated. “This event is part of our efforts to domesticate the law and make it understandable to everyone, especially those in rural communities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserves commendation for signing this Act into law. It is unprecedented and demonstrates strong political will to safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights.”

He further emphasized that with over sixty percent of Nigerians residing in rural areas, the NDPC is determined to make the law accessible to all. “We are working closely with Meta to ensure this message reaches every corner of the country,” he said, appreciating Meta’s continued collaboration in the national sensitization drive.

The Lagos event marks the first in a series of regional language launches planned across the country. The Igbo translation of the Act will be presented next in Enugu, followed by the Hausa version in Kano. These efforts are aimed at ensuring that citizens in all major regions of Nigeria can easily comprehend and apply the principles of data protection in their everyday lives.

The program attracted notable personalities, including royal fathers from Southwestern Nigeria, government officials, and data industry stakeholders. Participants commended the NDPC’s initiative, describing it as a “bold and commendable step” toward deepening data protection awareness and promoting inclusion in Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem.

Industry experts have also lauded the NDPC-Meta partnership as a model for effective public-private collaboration, noting that it demonstrates how corporate and governmental entities can work together to strengthen citizens’ trust in digital transformation efforts.

As Nigeria accelerates toward a fully digital economy, the NDPC’s outreach initiatives aim to ensure that citizens are not only digitally empowered but also protected—underscoring the importance of privacy, transparency, and accountability in the nation’s information-driven future.

“We must understand that if our identity is not protected, there are serious consequences,” Dr. Olatunji stated. “This event is part of our efforts to domesticate the law and make it understandable to everyone, especially those in rural communities. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration deserves commendation for signing this Act into law. It is unprecedented and demonstrates strong political will to safeguard Nigerians’ digital rights.”

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