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Data Privacy Day: Celebrating Citizen’s Right to Privacy And Protection in Nigeria

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By Mubarak Umar

2022 marks the third year in which Nigeria will be joining the international community to celebrate the World Data Privacy Day – an international event that occurs on January 28th of every year.

The purpose of Data Privacy Day is to raise awareness, promote privacy and data protection best practices. It is currently observed in the United States of America, Canada, and over 40 European countries since 2007. The international celebration offers opportunities for collaboration among governments, industries, academia, nonprofit organizations, privacy professionals, educators, etc.

As a global event, Data Privacy Day encourages: compliance with Data Privacy laws and regulations; dialogues among stakeholders interested in advancing data protection and privacy and provides a robust platform for global networking and local action on mutually cherished principles of data privacy.

The initiative that was initially on raising awareness to protect information of government and private sectors’ business transactions, expanded over the years to include families, consumers and all online activities as a result of revolution brought by digital devices.Of a truth, a vast majority of our people are generally unfamiliar with the risks involved in data processing. In the same vein, they are hardly aware of what they can do if they consider that their rights have been breached.

There are approximately 108.75 million internet users in Nigeria and the figure is projected to grow to 143.26 million by 2026. According to Statista, a leading provider of market and consumer data, internet penetration stood at 51.44% of the country’s population in 2021, and will likely reach 59.92 percent by the year 2026.

The appointment of Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, (now Minister of Communications and Digital Economy) as the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), marked a turning point in the history of data privacy in Nigeria. Under his leadership, NITDA issued the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) 2019. It applies to both the public and the private organizations as they process personal data of Nigerian citizens and Nigerian residents anywhere in the world.

The Regulation is aimed at protecting the right to privacy, creating the right environment for digital transactions, job creation and improving information management practices in the country.

Working in concert with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, NITDA has sustained the momentum of data privacy protection in Nigeria. For instance, from approximately 600 organizations filing privacy audit report in 2020, Nigeria now has at least 1230 organizations in 2021.

The incumbent Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, memorably shared Nigeria’s strides in the international community thus: “in less than 2 years of active implementation of NDPR in Nigeria, we were admitted to the Common Thread Network (a Network of Data Protection Authorities of Commonwealth countries).

We also got admitted as a full member of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA). Our contribution at the Africa Union’s Policy and Regulatory Initiative for Digital Africa (PRIDA) Data Protection Laws’ Harmonization Work Group led to Nigeria being considered for inclusion in the list of countries where a developed framework for data laws harmonization was tested.”

The impact of NDPR on job and wealth creation is also remarkable. 7,680 jobs were created, and 5,746 Nigerians were trained on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in 2021.

The sector is currently valued at N4,080,000,000, using median value of audit implementation cost, according to the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE.

Before the introduction of the NDPR, no Nigerian entity could boast of full compliance with data protection laws.

A handful of multinationals had some level of compliance imposed on them by their parent companies. The narrative changed drastically within one year. From zero compliance in 2018 Nigeria now has over 1230 organizations filing NDPR Compliance.

The place of NDPR in human rights jurisprudence have been litigated in our courts. Gladly, our courts, as the bastion of justice, have established a binding precedent to the effect that NDPR is rooted in the section 37 of the 1999 Constitution. The section provides thus: The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.

The implication of this is that no data controller or data processor can wish away the NDPR. See the case of Incorporated Trustees of Digital Lawyers Initiative &Ors. V. National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) CA/ IB/291/2020.

It is believed that the future of work will be fundamentally different when digital machines are deployed in virtually everything that we do. Soon, the new machines: Artificial Intelligence and Robotics will be a platform of innovation in Nigeria, especially in instrumenting, automating, tracking, and analyzing the core operations of businesses.

While exploring and utilizing these digital economy potentials, NITDA is always proactive in creating awareness on how Nigerians can protect their personal information.   It is only when customers trust their activities online that digital economy will thrive.

To deter breach of data privacy, NDPR provides that: “Any person subject to the Regulation who is found to be in breach of the data privacy rights of any Data Subject shall be liable, in addition to any other criminal liability, to the following: a) in the case of a Data Controller dealing with more than 10,000 Data Subjects, payment of the fine of 2% of Annual Gross Revenue of the preceding year or payment of the sum of 10 million Naira, whichever is greater; b) in the case of a Data Controller dealing with less than 10,000 Data Subjects, payment of the fine of 1% of the Annual Gross Revenue of the preceding year or payment of the sum of 2 million Naira, whichever is greater.

This clearly shows that NITDA, acting as Nigeria’s data regulatory body, is committed to protecting citizens’ data to ensure that Nigerian businesses remain competitive locally and internationally.

Nigeria is the only country in Africa that dedicates a full week 24th – 28th January of every year to raise awareness on data protection with series of programmes, both physically and virtually.

NITDA is playing its role in the best possible way to attract investment, open more digital job opportunities for Nigeria’s teeming population and support the security architecture by effectively implementing its mandate of protecting peoples’ data.

The implication of the foregoing is that Nigeria with over 200 million citizens can tackle any prejudice or misgivings about digitization through a potent regulatory instrument on data privacy. The resulting effect is momentum for a sustainable digital economy.

This momentum will invariable create jobs for essential public services. It is however important for Nigerians to take ownership of the legal regulatory framework on data privacy with a view to sustaining the present administration’s effort in building an inclusive and sustainable digital economy.

Mubarak Umar works with NITDA, Abuja


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E-Business

Study Reveals Majority of IT Professionals Show Openness to Cyber Immunity

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The cybersecurity landscape is evolving rapidly, with organisations seeking more robust ways to protect their digital assets. A recent global study conducted by Kaspersky reveals a growing shift toward proactive security strategies, particularly the adoption of Secure by Design development and Cyber Immunity – an innovative approach that embeds resilience directly into system architecture.

The study highlights that 90% of cybersecurity professionals surveyed in the Middle East, Turkiye and Africa (META) region are familiar with Secure by Design development. This methodology integrates security into the very fabric of a system from its inception, rather than treating it as an afterthought.

Such an approach is already employed in high-stakes industries like aerospace, where security cannot be bolted on later – it must be intrinsic. Despite its advantages, however, adoption has been slow due to challenges related to standardisation and cost.

Cyber Immunity is the next frontier in cybersecurity

Building on Secure by Design principles, Cyber Immunity takes cybersecurity a step further by creating systems that inherently resist attacks without the need for constant patching or additional security layers. The study reveals that most experts are familiar with Cyber Immunity but interpret it differently.

When asked what they associate with the term, 64% of respondents in the META region linked it to Secure by Design systems that remain resilient under attack, while 56% viewed it as a combination of technology and policy measures that block cybercriminal access. Another 48% connected it to highly skilled cybersecurity teams, indicating that while awareness is high, a unified understanding is still developing.

The growing demand for proactive security

One of the most striking findings is the optimism surrounding inherently secure systems. Over half of respondents in the META region (63%) believe it is already possible or definitely achievable to design systems capable of withstanding cyberattacks without relying on additional security solutions.

Another 32% think it might be possible, reflecting openness to this idea despite some uncertainty. This shift in mindset aligns with a broader industry trend: traditional reactive security measures are no longer sufficient.

With AI-powered threats and increasingly sophisticated attacks, organisations need solutions that do more than just detect breaches—they must prevent them by design.

Integrating Cyber Immunity into security strategies

The study emphasises that resilience, expertise, and flexibility will define the next generation of cybersecurity. While Secure by Design provides the methodology, Cyber Immunity represents the ultimate goal—systems so robust that they minimise reliance on external defences.

“For companies looking ahead, Cyber Immunity offers more than just protection — it brings clear business benefits. When systems are built to be secure from the ground up, there’s less need for constant updates, patches, and extra security tools. That means fewer costs, less strain on IT teams, and stronger, more reliable protection over time,” said Dmitry Lukiyan, Head of KasperskyOS Business Unit.

Most importantly in today’s threat landscape, Cyber Immunity offers robust protection against next-generation challenges — including AI-driven attacks capable of outmaneuvering traditional security measures.

When security becomes an intrinsic property of system architecture rather than an external addition, businesses gain more than just protection—they secure a competitive market advantage.

This proactive approach future-proofs critical infrastructure, enabling organisations to operate confidently even as threats evolve. It transforms cybersecurity from a defensive necessity into a strategic differentiator that accelerates digital transformation while mitigating risk.

As the cybersecurity environment becomes more complex, Cyber Immunity is emerging as a vital strategy. Organisations that adopt it now will not only enhance their protection but also position themselves ahead of the curve in an increasingly volatile digital world.

 


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Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

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Konga, Nigeria’s leading composite e-commerce platform, has launched its inaugural 2026 shopping campaign, Konga Jara, offering 25 per cent discount on Starlink internet kits alongside free nationwide delivery.

Konga launches Jara sales with 25% discount on Starlink kits, free delivery

Konga

The campaign, drawing from the Nigerian concept of “jara” — the extra value traders add to purchases — aims to deliver exceptional deals across categories, helping shoppers turn new year aspirations into reality through affordable technology and value-driven shopping.

To qualify for the Starlink discount, customers must purchase kits on Konga.com, activate them at starlink.com/activate, and email activation details to [email protected] for verification against Starlink’s records. Discounts are subject to terms and conditions.

Konga said spotlighting Starlink underscores reliable internet’s role in Nigeria’s digital economy, supporting work, learning, entrepreneurship and communication for households and businesses.

Mr Onochie Melvin, Head of Commercial Planning at Konga, said: “We listened carefully to what Nigerians said they needed to truly kickstart 2026 on the right footing. Reliable internet connectivity emerged as the foundation upon which other aspirations depend.”

He added: “Students need it for online learning, entrepreneurs need it to scale digital businesses, and professionals rely on it for remote work. This Starlink offer is not just about selling products; it is about removing barriers that prevent Nigerians from fully participating in the digital economy.”

Beyond connectivity, Konga Jara provides genuine products from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) with transparent pricing, warranties and authenticity guarantees.

As a composite e-commerce ecosystem, Konga integrates shopping, payments and logistics for seamless nationwide access, with exclusive deals shared via its social media channels throughout the campaign.

Shoppers can explore offers at www.konga.com and follow Konga’s official pages for updates across the Konga Group.


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Firm Identifies Global Scam Activity Linked to the Release of Avatar 3

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The premiere of Avatar 3 has taken place in several countries and has been accompanied by a noticeable increase in online interest. Amid the heightened attention surrounding the release, Kaspersky experts identified an increase in cyber-scam campaigns that exploit the movie’s launch and users’ desire to watch it online. The fraudulent websites target users across multiple regions, indicating attempts by attackers to reach a global audience.

The scam operates as follows: cybercriminals create suspicious websites that offer online access to the Avatar 3 movie. Attackers place particular emphasis on localisation, publishing the sites in multiple languages to attract users from different countries. However, the translations are often poorly executed and contain grammatical errors and inconsistencies, which may serve as indicators of fraudulent activity.

When users attempt to start the video, they are presented with a fake media player and prompted to register in order to obtain “full” or “unlimited” access to the film. As part of the registration process, users are asked to provide personal information, including an email address and mobile phone number.

At later stages, scammers may request additional data, including payment details, under the guise of activating a “free trial.” This creates risks of credential compromise, particularly if users reuse passwords across multiple services, and may also lead to financial losses.

“Cybercriminals consistently exploit major movie premieres to capture users’ attention and increase the effectiveness of their schemes. We advise accessing films only through official platforms and exercising caution when encountering websites that request personal or payment information. It is also important to use reliable security solutions to protect all devices, including mobiles,” comments Olga Altukhova, Senior web content analyst at Kaspersky.

 


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