The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced a partnership with Meta Platforms, Inc. to implement a new data protection initiative aimed at strengthening privacy governance, enhancing regulatory capacity, and expanding public awareness across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The initiative, known as the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP), is part of commitments arising from a 2025 court-approved settlement following regulatory scrutiny of Meta’s data processing practices in Nigeria.
Under the agreement, Meta will support a two-year programme designed to strengthen the practical implementation of Nigeria’s data protection framework while improving compliance standards across the digital space.
According to the NDPC, the programme will focus on four key pillars: strengthening governance structures and advancing research in data protection; promoting safety and sustainability within the digital ecosystem and emerging technologies; building the capacity of Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs); and expanding public awareness campaigns, particularly for vulnerable groups.
In a statement signed by Certified Data Protection Officer (CDPO), Itunu Dosekun, the Commission said the initiative is intended to reinforce Nigeria’s data privacy architecture and promote accountability among data controllers and processors.
The NDPC stressed that the collaboration does not limit its statutory powers, noting that it will continue to exercise full regulatory oversight in line with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and other applicable laws.
The Commission added that it will provide periodic updates on the implementation of the programme to ensure transparency and public accountability.
It also called on stakeholders in the digital and technology ecosystem to support the initiative, describing it as a step toward building a more secure and trustworthy data protection regime in Nigeria.