FG Directs MDAs to Comply with Data Protection Act

The Federal Government of Nigeria has directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to strengthen responsible data governance and build public trust. This directive was communicated in a statement by Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The directive follows Circular No. 59805/S.I/74, dated July 27, 2026, issued by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume. President Bola Tinubu instructed that government institutions must rigorously capture and safeguard information according to the Act.

MDAs are required to appoint qualified Data Protection Officers, engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations, allocate budgets for compliance activities, and submit mandatory Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of MDAs will be personally responsible for compliance.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, commended the Tinubu administration for its commitment to data privacy and accountability.