The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a total of N400 million in fines on seven companies for violations of citizens’ data protection laws.
The sanctions, announced by the National Commissioner Dr Vincent Olatunji, are part of an initiative to enforce the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and safeguard personal information.
The NDPC’s action targeted four major banks and three additional institutions, penalized for breaches of data protection regulations. Dr Olatunji noted that these measures are in line with the government’s goal to maintain strict data protection standards.
Since the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the NDPC has conducted over 1,000 investigations across various sectors, including financial services, education, insurance, and consultancy.
Of these, approximately 400 cases involved digital lending companies, often referred to as loan sharks. These investigations bring to light the widespread issues in data handling practices across multiple industries.
Dr Olatunji spoke on a noteworthy improvement in compliance with data protection laws, and private sector adherence rising from 49% to over 55%, while public sector compliance increased from 4% to 15%. This progress is attributed to the NDPC’s ongoing works to promote awareness and enforce regulations rigorously.
During a recent session with journalists in Abuja, marking the first anniversary of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act, Dr Olatunji reiterated the NDPC’s focus on protecting citizens’ data. He highlighted that the agency’s efforts are pointed towards creating a secure data ecosystem, now valued at over N10 billion.
The NDPC has also announced plans to hold chief executives of government ministries, departments, and agencies accountable for any data breaches under their jurisdiction. This policy aims to ensure that public sector entities adhere to the same standards expected of private companies.
The NDPC continues to investigate high-profile cases involving major companies such as Zenith Bank, GTB, Fidelity, Leadway Insurance, Babcock University, Opay, Meta, and DHL, all in a bid to enhance data protection and global best practices.
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