Introduction
With globalization and information sharing comes the need to
protect personal data from fraudulent activities such as identity
theft and hacking. Among other issues in data protection, the
cross-border transfer of personal data has been a trending topic
among privacy practitioners worldwide1.
Regulatory overview of data protection in Nigeria
Under Nigerian law, the protection of personal data is a
fundamental human right and as such is generally protected under
the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as
amended), which provides that "the privacy of citizens, their
homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic
communications is hereby guaranteed and protected." As with
most human rights, this right is restricted where it is reasonably
justifiable in a democratic society, in the interest of national
security, public safety, public order, public morality or public
health or for the purpose of protecting the rights
