Telecom
NDPC Gives Banks, Telecom Operators, Others Ultimatum to Register with the Commission
Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has urged all banks, telecom operators, educational institutions, government parastatals and other organizations that collect and process data in Nigeria to register with the Commission between now and December, 2023 for data protection compliance monitoring.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner of the NDPC, stated this at a sensitisation workshop on Data Privacy & Protection, held in Lagos.
According to the National Commissioner this is in line with the provisions of the Act which mandates all data controllers and data processors to get registered within 6 months of the enactment of the law.
He said that all the registered organizations will also be required to file their annual audit report with the commission between January and March every year.
While noting that the Commission is also increasing awareness to let Nigerians know their rights when it comes to their data, Olatunji said the registration of all organizations handling data is to ensure that the rights are preserved by all data processors and controllers in Nigeria.
“Registration and audit return.
Speaking on the timeline for the registration of all data controllers and processors, which include all organizations that deal with people’s personal data such as banks, telecom operators, insurance companies and schools, among others,
“What we have in the law is that all data controllers and processors in Nigeria should register with the data protection authority. What the law says is that we should give them six months to acquaint themselves with the provisions of the law. He noted that data controllers & processors are over 500,000 in Nigeria.
“From now till Dec 31st, they have to register with the commission while they are expected to file their data compliance audit return between 1st of January to 31st, March, every year” he said.
He explained that the Nigerian data protection Commission is saddled with the responsibility of creating awareness, guarding the rights of individuals to control and protect their personal information in the interconnected world, conduct investigations and meet out penalties for violators.
Olatuji affirmed that aside from increasing foreign direct investment into Nigeria, the DPA would boost the confidence of investors knowing full well that there are workable legal frame works on ground to protect them and their businesses.
“Because a lot of country now, when you don’t have your data protection law and the Data Protection Supervisor Authority, they don’t want to do business with you, with this law you will be able to cross that stage that the average investors coming to Nigerian will know that we have a law, and an independent DPA (Data Protection Authority).
While highlighting the rights of data subjects, Olatunji said every Nigerian is a data subject as they all have data with either the government or private organizations.
“Data subjects have the right to give their consent or not when their data is being collected; the right of rectification where data is not correct, other rights he noted are portability, erasure, refusal of processing, etc.
On the part of data controllers and data processors, “they owe us the duty of care and accountability to ensure that the data with them is well protected.
“What kind of measures are they putting in place in terms of technological measures and organization measures to ensure that the data with them is secure” He explained.
The NDPC boss stated that one of the aims of the data protection law is to create confidence and trust in the economy and to attract foreign direct investments in Nigeria.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Managing Partner Alliance Law Firm Uche Val Obi, said, said, ‘With a workable legal framework on data protection and privacy, even children who cannot ordinarily give legitimate consent are protected.
“Before you can obtain their data, you need the consent of parents or caregivers. The issue of breach is serious and can lead to criminal consequences, where the defaulters could be prosecuted, arraigned, and even sent to jail.”
The Head of Legal Enforcement & Regulations Department at NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye Esq, added, “People won’t be able to steal your identity; your personal data, for instance, is like a key in the digital space.
“You want to get your password, you want to get your drivers licences, you want to communicate, you want to go online, your identity is your key, so if this identity is not protected, how are you going to secure your digital assess.”
Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the country’s Data Protection Bill into law on June 12 this year.
This transformed the existing National Data Protection Bureau headed by Olatunji into a Commission that will be driving the implementation of the law.
Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a landmark breakfast meeting that spotlighted the transformative power of media in fostering bilateral ties.
Held under the theme “Media as a Bridge: Strengthening Nigeria-South Africa Ties through the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MIP)”, the event drew a dynamic mix of business leaders, academics, and media professionals.
Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Nigeria, described the MIP as a strategic tool for diplomacy, designed to dismantle stereotypes and misinformation.
He emphasized the value of the programme’s study tour in South Africa, which offers Nigerian journalists immersive exposure. “If Nigeria and South Africa can get their act together, the rest of the continent will follow,” Okigbo remarked, hinting at MTN’s plans to scale the initiative across Africa.
Dr. Ije Jidenma, Chairperson of NSACC, hailed the MIP as a tangible example of innovation in action. She underscored the media’s role as a “catalyst for development,” especially in shaping public discourse and cross-border partnerships.
Echoing this sentiment, Dr. Ikechukwu Obiaya, Dean of the School of Media and Communication at Pan-Atlantic University, stressed the need for rigorous training in journalism. He praised the collaboration between academia and industry, noting that ethical and contextual reporting is essential for meaningful impact.
A highlight of the event was a panel featuring MIP fellows—Amarachi Ubani (Channels TV), Oluwadunsin Sanya (BellaNaija), Nifemi Oguntoye (TVC News), and Akinkunmi Obakeye (CNBC Africa)—who shared how the programme reshaped their understanding of South Africa. Their stories revealed a shift from stereotypes to shared values and deeper connections.
The ceremony concluded with the unveiling of NSACC’s 25th anniversary logo, symbolizing a renewed commitment to growth, collaboration, and opportunity for its members.
As NSACC enters its next chapter, the Chamber reaffirmed its dedication to leveraging media as a bridge between Nigeria and South Africa—two powerhouses whose unity could redefine the African narrative
Telecom
MTN Nigeria, WWF/NCF, and UNDP Launch 2025 PachiPanda Challenge to Drive Youth-Led Environmental Innovation
In a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s pressing environmental challenges, MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria, has officially launched the 2025 Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge.
Part of the continental Africa PachiPanda Challenge, this initiative calls on young Nigerians aged 18–35 and youth-led SMEs to develop groundbreaking solutions addressing pollution, climate change, and community conservation. With the theme “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovations for Food, Energy, and Water Security,” the challenge aims to empower eco-visionaries to reshape Nigeria’s environmental future.
Ten finalists will be selected for a transformative 3-day sprint event, featuring human-centered design workshops, masterclasses, and a high-stakes pitch session before a panel of industry experts. Winners will advance to the continental stage, representing Nigeria in the Africa-wide competition.
Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, described the challenge as “a green opportunity” for youth to channel creativity into impactful change.
Dr. Joseph Onoja of NCF emphasized the power of collaboration, while UNDP’s Dr. William Tsuma highlighted the challenge’s alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals.
More than a competition, the Nigeria PachiPanda Challenge is a movement—one that seeks to ignite innovation, foster sustainability, and amplify youth voices in shaping a resilient future.
Applications close on October 3, 2025.
Interested participants can apply at: www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge
MTN Nigeria’s ongoing Mega Billion Promo continues to transform lives across the country. Since its launch on June 23, 2025, the campaign has disbursed over 579 million naira to 3,121 customers. With prizes ranging from 15,000 naira to 10 million naira, the promo has already created life-changing moments for many Nigerians.
Here are just a few of the winners.
1. Femi Yusuf – 10 Million Naira Winner
Port Harcourt-based mariner, Femi Yusuf couldn’t believe his luck when he saw his number displayed on the Mega Billion live show.
“I heard about the MTN Mega Billion Promo on air, so I decided to give it a try. I started loading MTN with 100 naira, 200 naira, hoping that one day I might be a winner. Honestly, I did not believe it. By the end of the show, my number appeared. I called my wife and shouted, ‘Babe, come, come, come!’”
His wife recalled the moment vividly. “I saw the number. He had left his chair and was sitting on the floor. I told him to calm down. Then they started calling him live on air. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I started screaming and ran inside. Came out again. I was screaming.”
“I was short of words, but I kept saying, thank you. Thank you, MTN. Thank you, MTN. So with my momo account, the money was paid on the fifth day ofthe announcement that I won. Myself and my family were grateful. We will continue using MTN everywhere we go,” He said. “Y’ello to the Nigerians. Y’ello everybody. This is the latest millionaire in town. ”
2. George Ekpo, Benin-Based Father – 1 Million Naira Winner
George Ekpo said he was in complete disbelief when he received the call confirming his 1 million naira win. “I was actually surprised. I never expected it. When I got the call from MTN, I was in disbelief. Something just said I should just answer the call. They called like three times. I decided to just pick the last one. Then, customer service spoke to me and asked me some questions. I answered. I didn’t actually believe it.”
Even after visiting the customer service center to confirm his win, Ekpo was still walking up and down in astonishment. “I’ve never won something like that before in my life, so it was just a surprise to me. My daughter, my newborn, actually gave me hope. This is going to cover a lot of expenses. Keep opting in, playing and keep winning.”
3. Ann Alele – 5 Million Naira Winner
Ann Alele, a petite trader and student of theology, also joined the list of winners. “I just want to appreciate MTN for their good, for their promo. It is five million. I am testifying that it is real. It is not fake. MTN isreal. So I say again, thank you MTN,” she said.
Having never taken part in a promo before, Alele described her win as shocking. “I have never taken part in a promo, but I’ve been hearing. I didn’t know whether it’s true because I have not participated before. So this one shocked me to my bone. This one is real because I saw it. I hold it. I want to appreciate you, MTN.”
In a country where promotions are often met with skepticism and many doubt that winners are genuine, MTN has gone to great lengths to build trust. Independent auditing partners oversee the draws and prize disbursements, ensuring transparency and accountability. Every winner is verified and prizes delivered promptly, reinforcing confidence in the Mega Billion Promo.
4. Taiwo Odejobi – 5 Million Naira
Taiwo Odejobi, a civil servant working as a messenger at the Ogun State Ministry of Education, never expected to win, especially since she had never been to school. “I am so happy cause I’ve never won this kind of prize in my life. With the little salary I earn, I manage myself with it. I just recharge airtime. Sometimes, I recharge 100 naira or 200 naira airtime,” she said.
Her win came unexpectedly, thanks to her child. “On a certain day, one of my children said he saw a certain code on my phone. He said he pressed the code. Not long after, they called me and told me I had won. I had never participated. It was my child who said he pressed the code, and by God’s mercy, it worked.”
“I never expected to win something like this, especially because I didn’t even go to school. I really appreciate MTN. To everyone using MTN, keep using MTN. My win is not fake. It is real,” she added.
5. Deborah Obuhoro – 5 Million Naira Winner
For Deborah Obuhoro, the win was immediate and deeply emotional. She was visibly overwhelmed during an at-home video interview. “I’m so excited. MTN actually gave me the best gift of my life,” she said. “I just got a pop-up message asking me to dial *900# to opt in. Luckily for me, I received a call from 300 on my birthday, telling me I had won five million naira. I was so happy.”
Deborah shared how difficult life had been before the win. “Growing up has been very difficult for me. It’s not been easy, getting jobs, taking care of myself, my siblings, my family. I’ve never even had a million naira in my account. Now I’m five million naira rich. It’s like a dream come true.”
These stories are a small glimpse into the lives transformed by the MM. From first-time participants to repeat entrants, the campaign continues to offer Nigerians the opportunity to turn simple daily actions into life-changing rewards.
For millions of Nigerians, MTN is not just a telecom provider, but a partner offering tangible rewards for loyalty, even in challenging economic times. The MTN Mega Billion Promo continues to give customers a genuine chance to win while demonstrating the brand’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and trust.
To opt-in, MTN customers dial *900#, and recharge at least 100 naira to enter the daily and weekly draws.
FIRS Decries Cross-border Tax Crimes
Minister Urges Africa Leaders to Unite on AI Infrastructure
Konga Unveils ‘All in All, Everything ×2’ Campaign, Offering Month-Long Discounts Across Product Categories
NSACC Celebrates 25 Years, Elevates Media as Catalyst for Nigeria–South Africa Unity
FG Launches Teacher Verification Framework to Boost Education Standards
Telecom2 days agoMTN Nigeria Empowers over 3,000 Customers with ₦579m in Mega Billion Promo
News2 days agoSuri’s Memoir Sparks Visionary Dialogue with Zimbabwean Ministers on Africa’s Future
E-Financial2 days agoUnion Bank of Nigeria Completes Merger with Titan Trust Bank
E-Financial2 days agoAMMBAN Faults CBN’s 60-day Deadline on PoS Geo-Tagging
News2 days agoAdlantique Named Nigeria’s Best in Digital Marketing, Content Creativity @ 2025 Beacon of ICT Awards
General News2 days agoAirtel Africa Foundation Presents Nigerian Students with Tech Scholarships
General News2 days agoCAC Postpones New Fee Implementation
Telecom2 days agoSwitch Solutions to Lead Cybersecurity Innovation @GITEX Nigeria 2025