NDPC and GIZ validate e-commerce data privacy framework

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with the German Corporation for International Cooperation (GIZ) to validate a new Data Privacy Framework for e-Commerce. The initiative is designed to strengthen sectoral compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023.

Speaking at a validation workshop in Abuja, NDPC National Commissioner and CEO, Dr Vincent Olatunji, stated that the framework is essential for the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. He noted that the Abuja session serves as a follow-up to a previous workshop held in Lagos, which primarily engaged private-sector stakeholders. The current phase focuses on gathering critical inputs from the public sector to ensure a comprehensive regulatory approach.

Building consumer trust in digital markets

Dr Olatunji emphasised that the sustainability of e-commerce depends heavily on consumer confidence. He argued that businesses can only thrive when customers, acting as data subjects, are certain that their personal information is adequately protected from misuse.

The Commission highlighted the legal and operational risks associated with the unlawful collection and processing of personal data. This includes the dangers of unauthorised profiling and other practices that violate the NDP Act 2023. By establishing a specific framework for e-commerce, the NDPC aims to provide clear compliance pathways for digital merchants and service providers.

International cooperation and stakeholder engagement

The workshop saw participation from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and stakeholders across the digital economy. Representing the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, H.E. Annett Günther, the Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, Dr Karin Jansen, attended the event.

The collaboration with GIZ continues to support the NDPC in fulfilling its mandate to safeguard privacy rights and regulate data processing activities across Nigeria’s expanding digital landscape. The next steps involve integrating the feedback gathered from the public sector into the final version of the e-commerce data privacy framework.