The Federal Government has extended the registration deadline for data controllers and processors in Nigeria that was earlier scheduled for June 30 to September 30, 2024, according to the nation’s data protection agency.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) also said that following the extension, all penalty fees for late registrations have been waived by the Federal data protector agency.
On February 12, 2024, the NDPC issued a notice requiring all private and public entities processing personal data to register with the commission by June 30, 2024, under Section 5(d) of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDPA).
Data protection: NDPC to clarify ‘major importance’ requirement soon
This notice faced immediate backlash from stakeholders who pointed out inconsistencies with the NDPA, which specifies that only data controllers and processors of Major Importance (DCPMI) are required to register.
According to NDPC, the registration deadline has been moved to September 30, 2024, providing organisations with additional time to comply with the data protection rules. Penalty fees for late registration have also been waived, the data protector said, to encourage prompt compliance without financial repercussions.
“This extension aims to provide additional time for organisations to comply with the registration requirement and ensure that all necessary data protection measures are adequately implemented,” according to a statement issued by NDPC.
The data protector urged all relevant entities to take advantage of the extended deadline to complete their registration and ensure compliance with the NDPA.
The Commission is expected to provide detailed definitions and guidance on the term “Major Importance” in the coming weeks, which will be crucial for organisations in assessing their registration obligations, according to NDPC.
The Federal data protector said that organisations are encouraged to stay informed and proactive in their compliance efforts, leveraging the additional time granted by the NDPC.
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