Federal Government has directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to appoint qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and fully comply with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection (NDP) Act 2023.
Gatekeepers News reports that the directive which is a part of efforts to strengthen responsible data governance and protect citizens’ personal information, was contained in a compliance circular dated July 27, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
According to Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the circular requires every MDA to designate a qualified DPO to oversee compliance with the Act, advise management on lawful data processing, and submit the officer’s name and contact details to the commission for registration.
The circular also mandates MDAs to comply with all regulations, guidelines and directives issued by the NDPC, engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) where necessary, submit mandatory data protection compliance audit returns, and make adequate budgetary provisions for staff training, awareness campaigns, technical safeguards and periodic compliance audits.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose directive was referenced in the circular, described data as “the new oil” and stressed the need for government institutions to capture information responsibly and safeguard it in line with the NDP Act.
The government further warned that permanent secretaries, accounting officers and chief executive officers of MDAs will be held personally responsible for ensuring their institutions comply with the directive and the provisions of the law.
