The rapid integration of technology into daily life has made the use and exchangeof information inevitable, exposing individuals and institutions to rising risks of data breaches. In Nigeria, a nation undergoing rapid digital transformation, addressing these vulnerabilitiesis essential to fully realize the benefits of a burgeoning digital economy. Despitetheenactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) and the establishment of institutional frameworks, critical implementation deficiencies persist. These gaps, driven by corruption, underfunded agencies, and weak enforcement mechanisms, leave the nation’s data ecosystemvulnerable to high-profile breaches. This article examines key incidents involvinggovernment and corporate actors and assesses the strengths and shortcomings of Nigeria’scurrent data protection regime. It explores the broader implications for privacy, institutional trust, and national security, while emphasizing the urgent need to strengthen the NigeriaData Protection Commission (NDPC), enforce accountability across sectors, and increasepublic awareness. Finally, it calls for local and international cooperation to build capacity, promote transparency, and ensure that both state and private entities adhere to best practices. Bridging the gap between legislation and enforcement is key to establishing Nigeriaasaleader in data protection and digital governance in Africa.
Neeka et al. (Tue,) studied this question.