President Bola Tinubu has officially signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023, solidifying its legal status. This milestone legislation establishes a comprehensive framework for safeguarding personal information and regulating data protection practices within the country.

The announcement was made by Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB), during the NDPB Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) validation workshop held in Abuja. The bill, which was sent to the Senate and House of Representatives for deliberation and approval on April 4, 2023, via a letter from former President Muhammadu Buhari, has now become law, effectively replacing the NDPB established by President Buhari in February 2022.

Under the newly enacted law, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission will assume the responsibility of overseeing the processing of personal information. This independent regulatory body will be led by a National Commissioner who will enforce compliance with data protection regulations and ensure that individuals’ privacy rights are upheld.