NDPC and Meta Team Up to Boost Data Protection in Nigeria

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has kicked off the Meta-Supported Initiative for Data Protection (M-SIDP). This program aims to improve how data subjects are protected in Nigeria. NDPC is responsible for data privacy protection in the country. They shared the news on Monday through a statement from Itunu Dosekun, who leads their media unit.

This new initiative comes after NDPC looked into how Meta Platforms, Inc. handles data in Nigeria. The investigation wrapped up in 2025 after a court-approved settlement was reached.

As part of this settlement, Meta promised to help fund a two-year program focused on public data protection. This will align with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, along with the NDP Act General Application and Implementation Directive and the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan for 2023-2027.

The M-SIDP program aims to create safety and sustainability for the tech ecosystem. It will focus on governance, research, and development. NDPC stated, “Nothing in this settlement limits the commission’s independent statutory powers as we continue to exercise our regulatory mandate in relation to data processing activities in Nigeria, in accordance with the NDP Act and other applicable laws.”

They also promised to give regular updates on how the M-SIDP program is going. NDPC urged stakeholders to support the initiative to create a safer and more accountable data privacy environment in Nigeria.

The launch of this initiative comes at a time when many are worried about data privacy and cybersecurity in Nigeria. Public and private institutions are facing many data breaches and cyber-attacks.

Since April, several companies like Remita Payment Service Limited, Sterling Bank, the Corporate Affairs Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have had data breaches. NDPC is looking into these issues but has not yet shared the findings.

In response to the rise in cyber threats against public and private institutions, the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy has suggested setting up the Ministerial Advisory Council for Cybersecurity Coordination.