NDPC generates over N5.2billion revenue

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) yesterday said despite its not being an exclusively revenue generating agency of the Federal Government, it has generated over N5.2billion into the coffers of the Federal Government while it has also created some 23,000 new jobs to ease the unemployment challenge in the country.

Its National Commissioner/CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, who disclosed this at a media workshop organised by the NDPC, in Lagos, said the total value of the nation’s data protection ecosystem is over N16.2billion.

He said the over N5.2 billion was generated by way of compliance revenue to the Federal Government.

He said the Commission has concluded 246 investigations into data protection and privacy breaches across the country

Dr Olatunji said the outcomes reflect a deliberate shift toward aggressive, enforcement-driven oversight under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. The 246 concluded probes have directly led to 11 enforcement actions, including significant fines and remediation directives, demonstrating that the NDPC is prepared to impose substantial penalties on violators, from major corporations to financial institutions.

Some of the high-profile cases that underscored the Commission’s resolve include the July 2025, MultiChoice Nigeria which led to the imposition of a N766.2 million fine on the company for intrusive, unfair, and disproportionate data practices, including unlawful cross-border transfers of subscriber personal information without adequate safeguards or consent.

Fidelity Bank also faced a N555.8 million penalty in 2024 (with ongoing implications noted in recent reviews) for processing personal data without informed consent, non-transparent use of cookies in banking apps, and engaging non-compliant third-party processors.

These landmark sanctions, among others, have contributed to the N5.2 billion compliance revenue stream, bolstering government coffers while deterring widespread non-compliance.

The broader data protection ecosystem now exceeds N16.2 billion in value and has created more than 23,000 jobs, signaling robust economic ripple effects from strong regulatory enforcement.

Olatunji tied these achievements to national digital ambitions, stating that trust built through accountability is essential for Nigeria’s push toward a $1 trillion digital economy.

 “Enforcement is the backbone of privacy protection. By concluding 246 investigations and applying meaningful consequences, we are not only protecting citizens but also creating the secure environment needed for innovation, foreign investment, and sustainable growth,” he emphasized.

Supporting this enforcement momentum are expanded compliance efforts: 38,677 Data Controllers and Processors of Major Importance registered, 307 licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations, and over 8,155 Compliance Audit Returns filed.

The Commission has also issued the General Application and Implementation Directive (effective September 2025), translated the Act into three major languages, and launched a multi-sector drive in August 2025, sending compliance notices to 1,348 entities in banking, insurance, pension, and gaming, with further actions promised for defaulters.

Advertisement

This year, the Commission said plans to increase awareness on data protection and privacy; intensify the enforcement of the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act and take appropriate actions against non-compliant organizations; and increase awareness creation to promote a deeper understanding of data protection and privacy across Nigeria.

Others are in the area of provision of guidance and support to organizations on data protection best practices; and capacity building and certifying professionals through the National Data Protection Officer Certification to meet global standards in data protection practices.

With international accolades such as the Picasso Award for Best DPA in Africa and active participation in global forums, Nigeria’s data regime is increasingly viewed as credible and robust.

As emerging technologies accelerate data flows, the NDPC’s track record: 246 resolved cases, billions in revenue, and decisive fines, sends an unequivocal message. In digital Nigeria, privacy violations face ironclad consequences, and compliance is the only viable path forward.

Activities during National Privacy Week (January 28–February 4) will build on this foundation through nationwide campaigns and stakeholder engagements to embed a culture of ethical data stewardship.