The Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023, to strengthen responsible data governance and boosting public confidence in government institutions.
The directive was contained in Compliance Circular No. 59805/S.I/74 dated July 27, 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
According to the circular, the directive follows President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that government institutions must improve data collection and ensure the protection of citizens’ personal information.
The President was quoted as saying: “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 all MDAs to ensure full compliance with the NDP Act, relevant regulations, guidelines and directives issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on the processing of personal data.
As part of the compliance measures, MDAs are required to appoint qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs), register their details with the NDPC, engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) where necessary, make adequate budgetary provisions for compliance activities, and submit mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns within the stipulated timelines.
The Federal Government also placed responsibility for implementation squarely on the leadership of MDAs, stating that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers would be held personally accountable for ensuring institutional compliance with both the circular and the NDP Act.
Reacting to the directive, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, commended the Tinubu administration for demonstrating strong political and legal commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental rights of Nigerians.
He said, “Data accountability is pivotal to achieving the eight Presidential Priorities,” adding that the Commission had established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support to MDAs in meeting their compliance obligations.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that the initiative forms part of broader regulatory measures designed to strengthen Nigeria’s data governance ecosystem as the country positions itself to harness opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
