JUST IN: President Bola Tinubu Signs Nigeria Data Protection Bill into Law

President Bola Tinubu, according to sources, has formally signed the Nigeria Data Protection Bill, 2023, establishing the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.

This Act establishes a comprehensive framework for the protection of personal information and the promotion of data protection practices in Nigeria.

The measure was debated and reviewed in the Senate and House of Representatives before being delivered on April 4, 2023, in the form of a letter from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission is founded with its enactment, succeeding President Buhari’s previously established Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) in February 2022. A National Commissioner will lead the Commission and be in charge of overseeing the regulation of personal information processing.

What the Act Stipulates

The Act outlines key provisions and objectives, including the facilitation of personal data protection technology development in line with internationally recognized best practices.

The Commission is mandated to ensure compliance with data protection obligations, register significant data controllers and data processors, raise awareness about the responsibilities of these entities, and impose penalties on those who breach the provisions of the bill.

If the bill is passed into law, the existing Nigeria Data Protection Bureau will transition into the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

Moreover, the bill stipulates the appointment of a National Commissioner for the Commission, selected by the President for a four-year term, renewable once. This individual will assume the daily administrative responsibilities and policy execution.

The Commission will also feature a Governing Council responsible for setting policy direction, and approving strategic plans, actions, and budgets, among other relevant matters.