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Business Sports Editorial Columns Allure The message is clear: as government increasingly embraces digital platforms,
protecting citizens’ personal information must become everyone’s responsibility.Related NewsFG, BOA partner
to lift 80m vulnerable Nigerians out of povertyTax Ombud to launch Taxpayer’s Bill of RightsFG begins six-month
revalidation of cooperatives, unveils digital ID system To make that happen, every MDA has been instructed to appoint
qualified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) who will champion privacy compliance within their organisations. The officers
are to be registered with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), while agencies may also engage licensed Data
Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) to support audits and other statutory obligations. The circular further
requires government institutions to make adequate budgetary provisions for staff training, public awareness, deployment
of appropriate security technologies and regular compliance audits. They are also expected to submit mandatory Data
Protection Compliance Audit Returns within the timelines prescribed by law. In a move that underscores the seriousness
of the directive, the government made it clear that Permanent Secretaries, Accounting Officers and Chief Executive
Officers of MDAs will be personally accountable for ensuring compliance with both the circular and the provisions of the
NDP Act. Welcoming the development, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection
Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, described the circular as another strong signal of the Federal
Government’s commitment to protecting the privacy and fundamental freedoms of Nigerians.According to him,
responsible data governance has become indispensable as Nigeria pursues the eight Presidential Priorities and builds a
modern digital economy.