The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to comply fully with Nigeria’s data protection laws as part of efforts to build public confidence in digital governance.
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The directive was contained in a compliance circular issued to government institutions and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
The circular, referenced as No. 59805/S.I/74 and dated July 27, 2026, was disclosed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations.
The move is part of wider regulatory efforts as Nigeria prepares to take a stronger position in the digital economy and the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Drawing attention to President Bola Tinubu’s statement that “Data is the new oil,” the SGF urged MDAs to treat information management as a critical national resource while ensuring that personal data is properly protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Under the directive, MDAs must appoint qualified Data Protection Officers responsible for monitoring compliance and advising management on lawful handling of personal information.
The agencies are also required to submit the details of their Data Protection Officers to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for official registration.
The circular further instructed MDAs to work with licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations where necessary, conduct regular compliance audits, and submit mandatory reports within legally approved timelines.
Government institutions are also expected to provide funding for data protection activities, including staff training, awareness campaigns, security measures and periodic reviews of their systems.
The directive placed responsibility on Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers of MDAs to personally ensure compliance with the circular and the provisions of the Data Protection Act.
NDPC Promises Technical Support
The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, welcomed the government’s commitment to protecting citizens’ privacy rights.
Olatunji said responsible data management was essential to achieving the administration’s development goals and strengthening trust in public institutions.
He added that the commission had established a regulatory clinic to provide technical assistance to MDAs as they work towards meeting compliance requirements.
The Federal Government said the initiative would help create a stronger culture of accountability, protect citizens’ personal information and support data-driven decision-making across the public sector.
