The Federal Government has issued a compliance circular directing all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023 and related regulations, as part of efforts to strengthen public trust through data-driven governance.
The directive is contained in Circular No. 59805/S.I/74 dated July 27, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume. The circular drew the attention of MDAs to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive on responsible data governance.
According to the circular, President Tinubu stated that “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 circular mandates MDAs to ensure full compliance with the NDP Act, regulations, guidelines and directives issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) concerning the processing of personal data.
As part of the directive, MDAs are required to designate suitably qualified officers as Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance and advise management on lawful data processing matters. They are also expected to submit the names and contact details of their DPOs to the NDPC for registration and official records.
The Federal Government further directed MDAs to engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) where necessary to support compliance and statutory audits, provide adequate budgetary allocations for data protection activities, including training, awareness programmes, technical safeguards and periodic audits, and submit mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns and other statutory returns within the timelines prescribed by law.
The circular stressed that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers of MDAs would be held personally responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with both the circular and the provisions of the NDP Act.
Reacting to the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the administration of President Tinubu for demonstrating legal and political commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental freedoms of Nigerians.
Dr Olatunji said the Commission remains committed to supporting data-driven governance, noting that data accountability is critical to the achievement of the administration’s eight Presidential Priorities.
He disclosed that the NDPC has established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support to MDAs in meeting compliance requirements.
According to the Commission, the initiative is part of a broader framework of regulatory measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s data governance ecosystem as the country positions itself for opportunities associated with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The statement was signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC.
