The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has unveiled a two-year data protection initiative in partnership with Meta Platforms, aimed at strengthening privacy safeguards, regulatory compliance and capacity building across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The initiative, known as the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP), follows a regulatory engagement between the NDPC and Meta after an investigation into the company’s data processing practices in Nigeria.
According to the commission, the matter was concluded in 2025 through a court-approved settlement in which Meta agreed to support public-facing data protection programmes aligned with Nigeria’s privacy laws and regulatory framework.
In a statement issued on Monday by the Head of Media Unit and Certified Data Protection Officer at the NDPC, Itunu Dosekun, the commission said the programme is designed to reinforce strategic safeguards for data subjects and will run for two years.
“As part of the settlement, Meta committed to supporting a two-year programme of public-facing data protection measures that aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, the NDP Act General Application and Implementation Directive and the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2023–2027,” the statement said.
The M-SIDP programme will focus on four key areas: governance, research and development; strengthening safety and sustainability mechanisms within the technology ecosystem; capacity development for data protection officers and compliance organisations; and public awareness campaigns targeting data subjects, particularly vulnerable groups.
The NDPC emphasized that the initiative does not limit its statutory authority, noting that it will continue to independently regulate data processing activities in Nigeria in line with existing laws.
The commission also pledged to provide periodic updates on the implementation of the programme and called on stakeholders to support efforts aimed at building a secure and accountable privacy ecosystem.
Since its establishment as Nigeria’s primary data protection regulator, the NDPC has increased oversight of how organisations collect, process, store and transfer personal data, particularly within the fast-growing digital economy.
Officials say stronger privacy protections are critical to building public trust in digital services and attracting investment into Nigeria’s technology sector.
For Meta, the initiative represents an opportunity to strengthen regulatory relations in one of Africa’s largest internet markets following previous disputes that drew attention from policymakers, privacy advocates and industry stakeholders.
