By:
Nana Appiah Acquaye
The
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta have launched a new
initiative aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy safeguards in
Nigeria as part of efforts to enhance compliance with the country's data
protection laws and improve public awareness of digital privacy rights.
The
initiative, known as the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection
(M-SIDP), was announced by the NDPC as a strategic programme designed to
reinforce protections for data subjects and support the development of a more
secure and accountable data governance ecosystem.
According
to the Commission, the programme is linked to its regulatory engagement with
Meta Platforms Inc. following investigations into the company's data processing
practices in Nigeria. The matter was concluded in 2025 through a court-approved
settlement.
Under
the terms of the settlement, Meta committed to supporting a two-year programme
focused on advancing public-facing data protection measures that align with the
Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, the General Application and Implementation
Directive (GAID), and the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP)
2023–2027.
The
M-SIDP programme will focus on governance, research and development,
strengthening safety and sustainability mechanisms for technology ecosystems,
capacity development for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection
Compliance Organisations (DPCOs), as well as public awareness campaigns
targeting data subjects, particularly vulnerable groups.
The
NDPC emphasized that the settlement does not limit its statutory powers or
regulatory independence. The Commission said it will continue to exercise its
mandate in overseeing data processing activities in Nigeria in accordance with
the law and other applicable regulations.
The
Commission added that it will provide periodic updates on the implementation of
the programme and called on stakeholders across the public and private sectors
to support efforts aimed at advancing a secure, transparent and accountable
privacy environment in Nigeria.
The
initiative is expected to contribute to the strengthening of Nigeria’s data
protection framework while promoting greater awareness of privacy rights and
responsibilities among citizens and organizations.
