NDPC Launches Meta-Backed Data Protection Initiative After Settlement
By Aboki Forex —
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has unveiled the Meta-Supported Initiative for Data Protection (M-SIDP), a two-year programme aimed at strengthening safeguards for data subjects in Nigeria.
The commission announced the initiative on Monday in a statement from Itunu Dosekun, head of its media unit. M-SIDP follows a concluded investigation into Meta Platforms, Inc.’s data processing practices in Nigeria, which ended in a court-approved settlement in 2025.
As part of that settlement, Meta committed to fund a public-facing programme aligned with 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 NDPC said the programme is built around governance, research, and development. It aims to create safety and sustainability mechanisms for Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.
“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,” the NDPC stated.
The commission added that it will provide periodic updates on the programme’s implementation. It also called on stakeholders to support the initiative in building a secure and accountable privacy ecosystem.
The launch comes amid rising data privacy and cybersecurity concerns in Nigeria. Both public and private institutions have faced a surge in data breaches and cyber attacks in recent months.
Between April and now, corporate entities like Remita Payment Service Limited, Sterling Bank, the Corporate Affairs Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission have all reported data breaches. The NDPC said it is investigating these incidents but has not yet released findings.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy has proposed a Ministerial Advisory Council for Cybersecurity Coordination to address the spike in cyber threats targeting public and private information systems.