The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) announced that it has commenced a sector-by-sector probe on organisations suspected to be non-compliant with the provisions of the Act.
NDPC made the announcement on Monday in a statement signed by the Head, Legal, Enforcement and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye.
According to the Commission, the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 seeks to safeguard the fundamental rights, freedoms, and interests of data subjects as guaranteed under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.
It also seems to strengthen the legal foundations of Nigeria’s digital economy while ensuring the nation’s trusted and beneficial participation in regional and global economies through responsible use of personal data.
Bamigboye said the commission has already issued Compliance Notices to certain organisations listed in the schedule of its notice in line with Sections 5(i), 6(a), 6(c), 46(3), and 47(1)-(2) of the NDP Act.
He added that the list of organisations were drawn from insurance companies, pension companies, gaming companies, banks and insurance brokers.
“These organisations are required to, within twenty-one (21) days of issuance, provide the following:”Evidence of filing NDP Act Compliance Audit Returns for 2024 (S.6(d) of the NDP Act).
“Evidence of designation or appointment of a Data Protection Officer, including name and contact details (S.32). Summary of technical and organisational measures for data protection within the organisation (S.39).
“Evidence of registration as a Data Controller or Processor of Major Importance (S.44)”, he said.
The Commission reaffirmed that failure to comply with this Compliance Notice may result in enforcement actions, including the issuance of an Enforcement Order, administrative fines, and/or criminal prosecution in accordance with the NDP Act, 2023.
The NDPC said it remains committed to “ensuring a culture of accountability and trust in Nigeria’s data protection and privacy ecosystem, while safeguarding the rights of data subjects and strengthening the nation’s digital economy”.
