Nigeria’s data protection sector is set for another record year, with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) projecting ₦13.8 billion in revenue from the ecosystem in 2025, a 15% increase from the ₦12 billion generated in 2024.
The NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, shared the outlook in Abuja, highlighting that the growth is driven by a surge in licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs). These firms, established by trained professionals, help businesses navigate privacy laws and ensure compliance, with some charging as much as ₦10 million to ₦20 million for audit services, especially for multinational clients.
Olatunji noted that each DPCO typically employs five to ten people, contributing to job creation and supporting Nigeria’s digital economy ambitions. As of early 2025, 256 DPCOs had been registered, with 55 more added in just a few months.
He emphasized that the NDPC’s ultimate goal is to foster a culture of compliance, making Nigeria a trusted destination for digital business and foreign investment. “We want a country where foreign investors can trust our digital economy. This will attract direct foreign investment, create jobs, and provide wealth-building opportunities for the youth,” Olatunji said.
Nigeria’s data protection framework received a major boost with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) signed into law in 2023, replacing the earlier 2019 regulations and setting a new standard for personal data regulation in the country.
Despite challenges like limited funding, the NDPC remains optimistic about the sector’s future, positioning Nigeria as a model for data privacy in Africa.
