By 
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening data protection and privacy across Nigeria’s states.
RELATED: NITDA deepens partnership with NIPSS to accelerate Nigeria’s digital and orange economy agenda
Both organisations formalised the collaboration through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a major milestone in the NDPC’s ongoing effort to deepen data governance, strengthen digital trust and improve compliance with Nigeria’s data protection framework nationwide.
The agreement comes at a time when state governments increasingly rely on digital systems to manage public records, healthcare data, tax information, education systems, social intervention programmes and other sensitive citizen information. As digital transformation accelerates across Nigeria’s public sector, experts continue to stress the importance of stronger privacy frameworks to protect citizens, reduce cyber risks and improve confidence in government institutions.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, praised the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, for his commitment to strengthening data protection and privacy across the states.
He described the partnership as a critical step toward building a more secure and trusted digital ecosystem in Nigeria. According to Dr Olatunji, stronger privacy compliance at the state level will improve the nationwide adoption of data protection standards while creating a safer environment for digital innovation and economic growth.
States Hold Massive Volumes of Sensitive Citizen Data
National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji
State governments handle large amounts of personal and institutional data daily. From healthcare records and payroll systems to education databases and social welfare programmes, states now manage some of the country’s most sensitive digital assets.
As more government operations move online, concerns around cybersecurity, unauthorised access, data breaches and poor data management continue to grow. Industry experts warn that weak privacy systems could expose millions of Nigerians to identity theft, financial fraud and misuse of personal information.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that Nigeria cannot build a sustainable digital economy without strong trust in how institutions collect, store and manage data. He explained that the partnership with the NGF would help states improve awareness, strengthen compliance structures and encourage responsible data governance across the federation.
Deepening privacy at the state level will ultimately ease its adoption across Nigeria and improve foreign direct investment across states of the federation. Dr. Olatunji
Data Protection Now Shapes Economic Confidence
Over the last few years, global investors and development partners have placed greater attention on how countries manage digital governance, cybersecurity and privacy regulations.
Strong data protection frameworks now influence investment decisions, particularly in sectors that rely heavily on digital infrastructure, cloud services and cross-border data exchange. According to analysts, countries with weak data governance systems often struggle to attract technology-driven investments because businesses fear regulatory uncertainty and cyber vulnerabilities.
Dr Olatunji noted that improved privacy compliance across Nigeria’s states would strengthen investor confidence and improve the credibility of public institutions. He added that data protection has evolved beyond a legal requirement and now plays a strategic role in economic development, innovation and digital transformation.
The NDPC has continued to expand awareness campaigns, compliance initiatives and capacity-building programmes since the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. The Commission aims to ensure that both public and private institutions adopt stronger data governance standards as Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow.
Nigeria Pushes for Stronger Digital Governance
Nigeria has witnessed rapid digital expansion in recent years, driven by increased internet penetration, fintech growth, digital banking, e-governance systems and the wider adoption of cloud-based technologies.
While this growth creates new economic opportunities, it also increases exposure to cyber threats, data breaches and privacy violations. The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 established a stronger legal framework for the protection of personal data and gave the NDPC broader authority to regulate compliance and enforce penalties for violations.
The law requires organisations to handle personal data responsibly and implement adequate safeguards to prevent misuse or unauthorised disclosure. Experts believe implementation at the state level will determine how effectively Nigeria strengthens its broader digital governance ecosystem.
Many state governments currently operate digital platforms for healthcare, taxation, education, transportation and public administration. Without proper privacy systems, these platforms could become vulnerable to cyberattacks and data misuse. The partnership between the NDPC and the NGF seeks to close that gap by encouraging states to prioritise privacy compliance and responsible digital governance.
NGF Commits to Strengthening Privacy Across States
Dr Abdulateef Shittu and Dr Vincent Olatunji
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr Abdulateef Shittu, commended the NDPC under the leadership of Dr Vincent Olatunji for taking proactive steps to strengthen data governance in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the growing importance of data protection in today’s digital world and stressed the need for stronger collaboration between institutions to secure Nigeria’s digital landscape.
According to him, the NGF understands both the benefits of compliance and the risks associated with non-compliance. He noted that poor data governance could expose institutions to financial losses, reputational damage and legal consequences.
The NGF is pleased to work with the NDPC to strengthen data protection and privacy at the state level to secure Nigeria’s digital landscape. Dr. Shittu
Dr Shittu also highlighted the importance of building awareness among state institutions and ensuring that government officials understand their responsibilities under Nigeria’s data protection laws.
Why the Partnership Matters
The collaboration between the NDPC and the NGF signals a broader shift in how Nigerian institutions approach digital governance and cybersecurity.
For years, conversations around data protection focused mainly on banks, telecommunications companies and technology firms. However, government institutions now manage some of the country’s largest and most sensitive databases.
As states expand digital public services, the need for strong privacy safeguards becomes even more critical. Experts believe the partnership could help create more consistent privacy standards across the country while encouraging states to strengthen internal policies, improve staff training and invest in cybersecurity infrastructure.
The agreement may also encourage state governments to establish dedicated compliance structures and appoint trained data protection officers to oversee privacy practices. Beyond security concerns, stronger data governance could improve public trust in digital government services and encourage wider adoption of e-governance initiatives.
Citizens are more likely to use digital services when they trust institutions to protect their personal information.
Working Group Begins Immediate Implementation
To ensure quick implementation of the agreement, the NDPC and the NGF created a joint working group to coordinate activities under the MoU.
The working group will oversee policy implementation, awareness programmes, compliance initiatives and collaboration between both organisations and state governments. The development reflects Nigeria’s increasing focus on digital rights, cybersecurity and responsible data governance as technology continues to reshape public administration and economic activities.
As Nigeria pushes toward a more digitally connected economy, partnerships like the one between the NDPC and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum could play a major role in strengthening trust, improving governance and protecting the country’s growing digital assets.
