NDPC Urges Federal Agencies Towards Data Act Compliance, Fair Pay for Privacy Experts

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has called on the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC) to fully comply with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023. The NDPC also advocated for equitable remuneration to attract and retain skilled data protection professionals within the public service.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, conveyed these messages during a recent visit to the NSIWC Chairman/CEO, Major General Junaid S. Bindawa (Rtd.), in Abuja. Dr. Olatunji detailed the progression of data protection regulation in Nigeria, from the initial bureau status to the establishment of the NDPC by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, through the enactment of the NDP Act.

Highlighting the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, Dr. Olatunji reported a significant increase in the NDPC’s revenue, growing from ₦7 billion in 2025 to over ₦12 billion by 2026. This growth underscores the increasing economic activity and regulatory engagement within the sector.

He emphasised the critical importance of adherence to the NDP Act across all government agencies, urging the NSIWC to lead by example. Recognising the global demand for data protection expertise, Dr. Olatunji stressed that competitive compensation structures are essential to secure and keep qualified personnel in public sector roles.

To support the NSIWC’s compliance efforts and capacity development, the NDPC offered free data protection training for its staff and provided vouchers for the Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA).

In response, Major General Bindawa commended the NDPC for its efforts in strengthening digital trust and confirmed that the NSIWC had already initiated steps towards complying with the NDP Act. He expressed appreciation for the proposed training partnership and VPA vouchers, acknowledging a clearer understanding of the NDPC’s mandate following the briefing.

Both commissions concluded the visit by affirming their commitment to sustained institutional cooperation. The NDPC’s full statement can be found on its official website: Securing Digital Trust: NDPC, NSIWC Align on NDP Act Compliance and Remuneration for Data Experts.