The Federal Government has issued a compliance directive1 to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to fully comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 (NDP Act).2 The Circular seeks to strengthen public trust by promoting responsible personal data governance and reinforcing accountability across the public sector.
The Circular, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, H.E. Senator George Akume, CON, on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, underscores the strategic importance of data to national development. It reiterates the President's position that "data is the new oil" and emphasises that its value is enhanced through its responsible collection, sharing and refinement. Accordingly, all MDAs are now explicitly required in no uncertain terms to process personal data in line with the NDPA and all regulations, directives and guidelines issued by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).3
