The Federal Government has issued a data protection compliance circular directing all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws and improve public trust in data-driven governance.
According to Channels Television, the directive is contained in Circular No. 59805/S.I/74, dated 27 July 2026 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
The circular forms part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight as Nigeria advances towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution. It also references President Bola Tinubu’s statement that “data is the new oil”, urging government institutions to properly collect, manage and protect personal information in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), 2023.
Under the directive, all MDAs must fully comply with the NDP Act, its regulations, guidelines and directives issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The circular requires every ministry, department and agency to appoint qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) responsible for overseeing compliance and advising management on lawful data processing. MDAs must also submit the names and contact details of their DPOs to the NDPC for registration.
In addition, agencies are instructed to engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) where necessary to support compliance and conduct statutory audits.
The Federal Government also directed MDAs to allocate sufficient funding for data protection activities, including staff training, public awareness programmes, technical safeguards and regular compliance audits. Agencies are expected to submit mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns and other statutory reports to the NDPC within the timelines prescribed by law.
The circular places direct responsibility for compliance on Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive Officers of all MDAs, stating that they will be personally accountable for ensuring their institutions comply with both the circular and the provisions of the NDP Act.
Commenting on the directive, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, welcomed the administration’s commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental rights of Nigerians. He said data accountability is essential to achieving the administration’s eight Presidential Priorities.
To assist government institutions in meeting the new requirements, the NDPC has established a regulatory clinic to provide technical support and guidance.
