A Quick Guide on the Data Protection Regime in Nigeria

Abstract

As data becomes a highly-sought commodity, more and more people are concerned about how their data is stored, processed, and transmitted. The advent of Big Data, availability of advanced data analytics tools, and surge in surveillance activities have transformed into a mass resuscitation of the desire to have data collected and processed only on legal bases and for specified purposes.

Although significant progress has been made in recent time, there is currently no dedicated, principal legislation on data protection in Nigeria. In fact, until early 2019 when the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued its Data Protection Regulation, provisions on data protection were few, incomprehensive, and dispersed in general and sector-specific legislation.

This essay examines the legal framework for data protection in Nigeria and justifies the importance of an adequate data protection regime, security- and economy-wise.

Keywords: Data Protection, Legal Framework, Nigeria, NITDA, Big Data, Africa, Privacy

JEL Classification: K1, K2, K3