Nigeria Targets Global Competitiveness Through Enhanced Data Privacy Frameworks
Dr. Bosun Tijani at an event marking the 2026 Global Data Privacy Day in Abuja
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has asserted that the sustainability and expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy are inextricably linked to the establishment of robust trust and data privacy frameworks. Speaking at an event marking the 2026 Global Data Privacy Day in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that for Nigeria to achieve its goal of becoming a global digital powerhouse, citizens and investors must have unwavering confidence in the security of their personal information.
The Foundation of Digital Transformation
Dr. Tijani noted that as Nigeria continues to digitize critical sectors ranging from financial services to healthcare and governance the volume of data generated presents both immense opportunities and significant risks. He argued that technology alone cannot drive a digital economy; rather, it is the "currency of trust" that allows digital platforms to scale.
"Trust is the bedrock of any successful digital economy," the Minister stated. He explained that the Federal Government is committed to creating an environment where data is treated as a strategic asset, protected by stringent legal and technical safeguards. This approach is intended to foster innovation while ensuring that the rights of individuals are not compromised in the pursuit of technological advancement.
Strengthening the Regulatory Framework
The Minister’s remarks come amid intensified efforts by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enforce compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Dr. Tijani highlighted that a transparent regulatory environment is a prerequisite for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in the technology sector.
Key objectives outlined in the government’s strategic data privacy roadmap include:
Institutional Accountability: Ensuring that both public and private entities handling citizen data adhere to global best practices.
Cybersecurity Resilience: Strengthening national infrastructure to prevent data breaches and unauthorized access.
Citizen Awareness: Educating the public on their digital rights and the importance of data sovereignty.
Economic Implications and Global Competitiveness
From an analytical perspective, the Minister’s focus on data privacy aligns with global trends, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe. By harmonizing Nigeria’s data laws with international standards, the government aims to facilitate cross-border data flows, which are essential for the growth of the Nigerian tech ecosystem and the outsourcing industry.
Dr. Tijani further remarked that a secure digital environment would empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt digital tools with less fear of cyber threats, thereby driving inclusive economic growth. He reaffirmed that the Ministry would continue to support the NDPC in its oversight functions to ensure that data controllers and processors remain accountable.
The Federal Government’s emphasis on trust and privacy signals a shift toward a more mature and regulated digital landscape. As Nigeria seeks to leverage artificial intelligence and big data to solve complex socio-economic challenges, the prioritisation of data privacy will serve as a critical safeguard. The success of this vision will depend on the effective collaboration between the government, private sector stakeholders, and the judiciary to uphold the rule of law in the digital sphere.
