Nigeria: NDPC and NCC sign MoU to strengthen data protection in Nigeria’s telecom sector

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce data protection and privacy standards across Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The agreement, signed at a ceremony attended by senior officials and stakeholders from both regulators, reflects the growing need for closer regulatory collaboration as digital adoption and data usage continue to expand rapidly across the sector.

Speaking at the signing, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC, stressed that meaningful progress in safeguarding personal data can only be achieved through strong cooperation between regulators. He noted that prioritising privacy within the telecom ecosystem is critical, describing the MoU as a major step towards building a more robust data protection framework.

The NDPC also acknowledged the leadership of Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, commending his proactive engagement with mobile network operators on privacy and compliance issues. According to Dr Olatunji, such leadership is key to embedding a culture of data protection across the telecommunications value chain.

Dr Maida reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to data protection, emphasising its global significance and the Commission’s responsibility to ensure full compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) among all licensees and regulated entities.

Both regulators confirmed that implementation of the MoU will begin immediately, with a shared focus on coordinated enforcement, regulatory cooperation, and the protection of personal data throughout Nigeria’s telecoms sector.