The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission, NDPC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU to strengthen the enforcement of data privacy and protection within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, amid the country’s rapidly expanding digital ecosystem.
The MoU establishes a structured framework for regulatory collaboration between both agencies, formalising their shared commitment to effective data governance, consumer protection and regulatory synergy as Nigeria deepens its transition into the digital and artificial intelligence era.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, described data protection and privacy as critical to the future of the communications industry.
He stressed that effective regulation of data is essential to sustaining trust, innovation and growth in the sector.
Dr. Maida reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the NDPC to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians while maintaining a resilient and forward-looking communications network.
He highlighted the growth of the telecom sector, noting that Nigeria has expanded from about 500,000 connected telephone lines to over 170 million active connections, reflecting the sector’s role in driving innovation, business growth and national development.
According to him, the next phase of sectoral growth will be driven by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, which rely heavily on data generated by users.
He emphasised that data belongs to individuals and warned that lack of awareness could lead to the exploitation and monetisation of personal data without consent.
“People need to be aware of the data they are generating and the rights attached to it. When platforms are said to be free, they are not really free. Somebody is using your data,” Maida said, adding that poor data governance could even threaten national sovereignty.
He further described data as a strategic national asset, stressing that for artificial intelligence to remain relevant and beneficial to Nigeria, the country must continue to generate fresh, locally relevant data within a trusted regulatory environment.
In his remarks, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, described the MoU as a critical step towards protecting Nigerians’ personal data, noting that effective enforcement of data protection laws requires close collaboration with sector regulators.
“We are not taking over the mandate of the telecom regulator. We are adding value to what you are doing, and you add value to what we are doing,” Olatunji said. He added that the Commission is keen on immediate implementation of the agreement, rather than allowing it to remain a mere formality.
Dr. Olatunji emphasised that coordination and collaboration are central to the NDPC’s regulatory approach, expressing confidence that the partnership with the NCC would strengthen data governance, knowledge sharing and capacity building within the communications sector.
Both Commissions noted that the MoU would help streamline regulatory processes, avoid overlap in mandates as provided by their respective enabling Acts, and ensure clarity and effectiveness in the regulation of data protection within Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.
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