NDPC Promises Aggressive Action on Data Violations, Warns of Severe Penalties
The Nigerian Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has announced its intention to enforce strict penalties and impose substantial fines on data controllers and processors who violate the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
This was revealed by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, in a video shared on the Commission’s social media platforms, outlining its agenda for 2025.
Dr. Olatunji emphasized that the NDPC will take a more aggressive stance against non-compliance, stating that heavy penalties will now be enforced on defaulting data controllers and processors.
The NDPC has been actively engaging with various stakeholders across both public and private sectors to foster awareness and encourage compliance with data protection laws. Dr. Olatunji mentioned that many data controllers and processors are seeking skilled professionals to manage their data. As part of the Commission’s efforts, more certified individuals trained in 2024 will be launched into the job market to fill these roles and work with organizations to ensure proper data handling.
Furthermore, he reassured Nigerians that their data rights, as guaranteed by the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) will be protected, and those who violate these rights will face significant consequences as the Commission aims to strengthen the protection of citizens’ data and hold organizations accountable for breaches.
In addition to enforcement, the NDPC will continue its nationwide efforts to raise awareness about data protection. The Commission remains committed to educating the public and relevant stakeholders about the importance of data privacy and security, aiming to foster a culture of compliance and accountability in the data processing sector across Nigeria.
