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Court-approved settlement yields initiative focused on public awareness, capacity building for DPOs, and safeguards for vulnerable groups.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta have launched a two-year Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP) programme.
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Stemming from a regulatory settlement, this initiative focuses on digital privacy awareness, institutional capacity building, and strengthening data protection safeguards across Nigeria.
Olatunji, NC /CEO, NDPC
The development was announced in a statement by the Head of the Commission’s Media Unit, Itunu Dosekun. According to the NDPC, the programme is designed to deepen public understanding of data privacy rights while supporting efforts to build a safer and more accountable digital environment.
Court-Approved Settlement Finalised in 2025
According to the commission, *“the matter was concluded in 2025 through a court-approved settlement.
As part of the settlement, Meta committed to supporting a two-year programme of public-facing data protection measures that aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.”*
The initiative forms part of a court-approved settlement reached after investigations into Meta’s data processing practices in Nigeria.
The M-SIDP programme was finalized as part of an out-of-court resolution regarding Meta’s data processing practices in the country.
Four Strategic Areas of Focus
The programme is structured around four primary strategic areas:
- Governance, Research & Development: Strengthening institutional mechanisms within Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.
- Ecosystem Sustainability & Safety: Fostering safety mechanisms for emerging tech and digital systems.
- Capacity Building: Enhancing expertise for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs).
- Public Awareness: Launching widespread public-facing campaigns, with a strong focus on educating vulnerable demographics—including children, elderly users, and low-literacy communities—on their digital rights.
The programme will also feature extensive public awareness campaigns, particularly targeting vulnerable groups and educating citizens on their rights and responsibilities under Nigeria’s data protection framework.
NDPC’s Regulatory Mandate Remains Unaffected
The NDPC has clarified that this two-year initiative does not limit its statutory regulatory mandate. The Commission will continue independently enforcing the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023.
