NITDA and NDPC Join Hands to Protect Personal Data and Guard Online Privacy in Nigeria

Two major government technology agencies in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency(NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission(NDPC), have joined forces to strengthen data protection and build safer online systems for everyday citizens.

The strategic alliance was officially reaffirmed during an executive alignment meeting held on September 29, 2026, in Abuja, bringing both regulatory bodies into a unified framework.

Through this renewed partnership, both organizations are working together to enforce strict privacy rules on how businesses, banks, government offices, and mobile applications collect and use citizens’ personal information.

The joint initiative establishes clear guidelines to prevent companies from selling customer phone numbers without permission, stopping online scammers from accessing private records, and ensuring that any organization handling public data complies fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

Building a strong, unified data system is essential for every Nigerian because modern life relies heavily on digital records.

Every time a citizen opens a bank account, buys a SIM card, registers for a national identity card, or uses a smartphone application, their private information goes into digital computers.

When government agencies join hands to guard these digital records, it prevents identity theft, stops online fraudsters, and gives citizens complete confidence that their private information remains safe.

Commending the shared effort to safeguard the country’s growing digital space, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, who serves as the Director-General of the NITDA, highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation between the two institutions.

He commended the leadership of the data commission for maintaining a close working relationship, noting that working together ensures that technological growth goes hand in hand with strong privacy protections for all citizens.

Emphasizing the vital role that unified data rules play in building trust across the nation, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who is the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, shared why protecting personal information remains a top national priority.

He explained that setting high safety standards creates a secure foundation where people can use online bank services and digital tools freely without fearing that their private details will be leaked or abused by bad actors.

This agency collaboration marks a major step forward for Nigeria’s digital economy. By combining their technical skills and legal authority, the two agencies are building a safer internet environment where ordinary people, local businesses, and foreign investors can trade and communicate securely without compromising individual privacy rights.