The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with Nigeria’s data protection law as part of efforts to strengthen the privacy and security of citizens’ personal information.
The directive was issued to ensure that government institutions handle personal data in accordance with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). Authorities said all MDAs are expected to implement appropriate measures for collecting, processing, storing, and sharing data responsibly.
Government officials noted that compliance with the law is essential to safeguarding citizens’ privacy, promoting transparency, and building public trust in government institutions. They added that agencies found to be in breach of the regulations could face sanctions in line with the provisions of the Act.
The Federal Government also urged heads of ministries and agencies to appoint data protection officers where necessary, train relevant personnel, and establish effective data governance frameworks to ensure full compliance with the law.
The directive forms part of the government’s broader commitment to strengthening digital governance, improving cybersecurity, and aligning Nigeria’s data protection practices with international standards.
Hauwa umar Mohammed
