The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen data protection, privacy enforcement and regulatory cooperation within Nigeria’s fast-growing telecommunications sector.
The agreement is designed to harmonise regulatory oversight, close enforcement gaps and ensure that telecom operators comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, particularly in the handling, processing and storage of subscribers’ personal data.
The collaboration also seeks to enhance consumer trust, improve information-sharing between the two regulators and promote best practices across the digital communications ecosystem.
Officials say the MoU will eliminate regulatory overlaps, reduce compliance uncertainty for operators and reinforce Nigeria’s data governance framework as digital services continue to expand nationwide.
At the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said the partnership marked a critical step in safeguarding Nigerians’ personal data within one of the country’s most data-intensive sectors.
Dr Olatunji noted that telecommunications operators handle vast volumes of sensitive information daily, making close regulatory coordination essential.
He stressed that the MoU would strengthen enforcement mechanisms, improve joint investigations and ensure that data protection obligations are fully integrated into telecoms regulation.
According to him, the collaboration reflects the NDPC’s commitment to implementing the Nigeria Data Protection Act and positioning data privacy as a core pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy.
In his remarks, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr Aminu Maida, described the MoU as a strategic alignment between sector regulation and data governance.
Dr Maida said the NCC remains committed to protecting telecom consumers and ensuring that operators comply with both communications regulations and data protection laws.
He added that the agreement would provide clearer guidance to licensees, reduce regulatory friction and promote responsible data handling across the industry.
The NCC boss emphasised that as Nigeria’s telecoms sector continues to drive digital inclusion and innovation, strong data protection standards are essential to sustaining consumer confidence and sectoral growth.
COV/Abdullahi Laminu
