The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched the Meta-Supported Initiative for Data Protection (M-SIDP), a programme that enhances strategic guardrails for data subjects.
NDPC, which oversees data privacy protection in Nigeria, disclosed on Monday in a statement by Itunu Dosekun, the head of its media unit.
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The initiative follows an investigation by the commission into Meta Platforms, Inc.’s processing practices in Nigeria, which was concluded in 2025 through a court-approved settlement.
As part of the settlement, Meta committed to support a two-year programme of public-facing data protection measures that align 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.
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The commission said the M-SIDP programme, which aims to foster safety and sustainability mechanisms for the ecosystem and technology, is structured around governance, research and development.
“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,” NDPC stated.
It added that it would consistently provide periodic updates on the implementation of the M-SIDP programme. It called on stakeholders to back the initiative in advancing a secure and accountable privacy ecosystem in Nigeria.
The unveiling of the initiative comes amid growing concerns over data privacy and cybersecurity in Nigeria, as both public and private institutions face a high incidence of data breaches and cyber-attacks.
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Between April and now, the cyberspaces of corporate enterprises such as Remita Payment Service Limited, Sterling Bank, the Corporate Affairs Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have encountered data breaches.
NDPC said it is investigating the data breaches, even though it has yet to make the outcome of its inquiry public.
The Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy has also proposed establishing the Ministerial Advisory Council for Cybersecurity Coordination in response to a recent spike in cyber threats targeting the information systems of public and private institutions.
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