In a major push to reinforce public trust and advance data-driven governance across the public sector, the Federal Government has issued a sweeping compliance circular mandating all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to strictly safeguard personal data.
The directive is contained in Circular No. 59805/S.I/74, dated 27 July 2026, signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
The circular draws directly from the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the strategic economic and governance value of public sector data.
“Data is the new oil: its value increases the more it is refined and responsibly shared. I therefore direct all Ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments and Agencies to capture information rigorously and safeguard it under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).”
To ensure institutional alignment with the NDP Act and regulatory directives from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), all Federal MDAs are required to implement four critical actions. First, agencies must designate qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to oversee compliance, manage data processing protocols, and advise leadership. Second, they must register their DPOs’ contact details directly with the NDPC and engage licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) to perform statutory audits. Third, MDAs need to secure dedicated budgetary funding for data protection activities, including technical safeguards, staff capacity building, and continuous awareness programs. Finally, institutions must file all required Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns and statutory documentation with the NDPC within prescribed legal deadlines.
The circular explicitly notes that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers, and Chief Executive Officers of all MDAs will be held personally responsible for ensuring full institutional compliance.
Reacting to the release of the circular, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, commended the administration’s political will to protect the privacy rights of Nigerian citizens.
Dr. Olatunji highlighted that data accountability remains vital to achieving the administration’s eight Presidential Priorities. To assist federal institutions in meeting these mandates, the NDPC has established a specialized regulatory clinic to provide hands-on technical support to MDAs as Nigeria positions itself for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.