The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) have agreed to collaborate on nationwide sensitisation campaigns to promote compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).
The partnership was formalised during a courtesy visit by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, to Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of NOA, at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja, according to the two government agencies.
Dr. Olatunji commends Issa-Onilu for the achievements of the NOA under his leadership, noting that the Commission plans to leverage the Agency’s nationwide reach to raise awareness on data privacy. He stresses that strong data protection practices would not only safeguard citizens’ rights but also attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into Nigeria, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He also cautions against the risks associated with non-compliance with the NDP Act.
In his remarks, Issa-Onilu welcomes the collaboration, explaining that the NOA’s mandate includes educating Nigerians on government policies. The data protection awareness, Issa-Onilu adds, would be mainstreamed through the Agency’s communication platforms, which include 255 radio stations broadcasting in 72 Nigerian languages, television, print and social media, as well as direct grassroots engagement across 818 offices nationwide.
As part of the partnership, the NDPC will provide training for NOA staff on data privacy and compliance. Issa-Onilu described the initiative as timely, saying it would strengthen the Agency’s role in public education on citizens’ rights. Both agencies also agreed to formalise their collaboration through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at embedding a culture of data privacy in Nigeria.
The agreement marks a significant step in advancing digital rights and governance, with the NDPC driving compliance while the NOA mobilises its nationwide network to educate citizens on their rights and obligations under the NDP Act.
Key facts: NDPC–NOA data protection partnershipÂ
- NDP Act 2023: Nigeria’s legal framework for safeguarding citizens’ data rights.
- NDPC role: Regulates compliance, enforces sanctions, and promotes data governance.
- NOA reach: 818 offices nationwide, 255 radio stations in 72 languages, plus TV, print, and social media.
- Partnership goal: Nationwide sensitisation campaigns on data protection compliance.
- Next steps: NDPC to train NOA staff and formalise collaboration through an MoU.
- Impact: Embedding a culture of data privacy to boost citizens’ rights and attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
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