The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says its revenue has risen from ₦7 billion in 2025 to more than ₦12 billion in 2026, reflecting the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s data protection and privacy ecosystem.

Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, disclosed the revenue growth during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the Commission to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), where he held discussions with its Chairman/CEO, Major General Junaid S. Bindawa (rtd.).

Olatunji traced the development of data protection regulation in Nigeria from the establishment of the former regulatory Bureau to the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which transformed the Bureau into the NDPC.

NDPC: Data protection ecosystem expands, compliance gains momentum.

He said the sharp increase in revenue demonstrated the growing scale of activities within Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, as organisations increasingly seek to comply with regulatory requirements and strengthen the protection of personal data.

The NDPC chief also stressed the need for public institutions to comply fully with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, urging the NSIWC to strengthen its compliance measures.

Beyond compliance, Olatunji highlighted the growing demand globally for professionals with expertise in data protection and privacy. He called for equitable remuneration structures capable of attracting and retaining skilled data protection specialists within Nigeria’s public service.

To support the NSIWC’s compliance efforts, he offered free data protection training for its staff and Virtual Privacy Academy vouchers to facilitate further capacity development.

Responding, Bindawa said the engagement had provided him with a clearer understanding of the NDPC’s mandate and commended the Commission for its efforts to strengthen digital trust in Nigeria.

He said the NSIWC had already begun taking steps towards compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, while welcoming the proposed training partnership and capacity-building support from the NDPC.

The meeting ended with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation, particularly in strengthening data protection compliance and developing the skills required to support Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Former Nigerian Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar has been featured in promotional material by an Indian hospital following his knee replacement surgery there.

The video, which has gone viral on social media, shows Mr Abubakar receiving care at Krishna Shalby Hospital in Ahmedabad, India, including footage of him walking and exercising after the procedure.

The hospital has also used images of the former Head of State and Vice President Kashim Shettima in posts promoting its services to international patients.

Hospital’s promotion

In an Instagram post on Monday, the Indian Hospital said Mr Shettima visited the facility and met its management to discuss Mr Abubakar’s progress and wellbeing.

The hospital described the visit as a reflection of the “growing trust in India’s healthcare” and its commitment to caring for patients from across the world.

“When patients travel across borders for specialised care, their trust means everything,” the hospital said.

It is not immediately clear whether Mr Abubakar’s treatment was fully sponsored by the federal government.

However, under the Remuneration of Former Presidents and Heads of State (and Other Ancillary Matters) Act, former Heads of State and their immediate families are entitled to free medical treatment in Nigeria and treatment abroad where necessary at federal government expense.

The law also provides other benefits, including diplomatic passports, protocol privileges, official vehicles, office and residential accommodation, security and annual vacation at federal government expense.

In 2026, the federal government budget provides N2.3 billion for the entitlements of former presidents, Heads of State and their deputies.

Nigerians react

The hospital’s use of Mr Abubakar’s treatment in its promotional material has generated reactions from Nigerians.

Activist and presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore was among those who reacted after sharing the promotional video on X on Tuesday.

“This is former Nigerian Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, being used in a hospital advert after undergoing knee replacement surgery in India,” Mr Sowore said.

He questioned why Nigerian leaders who had opportunities while in government to develop the country’s healthcare system continue to seek specialised treatment abroad.

Mr Sowore said the development was a reflection of what he described as “decades of failed leadership and neglect of Nigeria’s healthcare system”.

Aloy Ejimafor, a barrister, also criticised the development in a Facebook post.

Mr Ejimafor described it as a “diplomatic insult” for an Indian hospital to use Mr Abubakar’s image in an advert for knee replacement surgery in India.

Medical tourism

Mr Abubakar’s treatment abroad comes amid a long-running pattern of Nigerian political leaders seeking medical care outside the country.

For instance, late President Muhammadu Buhari faced repeated criticism over his medical trips to the United Kingdom during his presidency.

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Nigerian doctors and other critics argued that the practice undermined confidence in the country’s health system, particularly because political leaders control public investment in healthcare.

In April 2025, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, said Nigeria loses an estimated $2 billion annually to medical tourism.

Mr Pate made the statement at the commissioning of a 50-bed specialist hospital in Lagos, where he said the figure reflected gaps in confidence, access and quality in the country’s healthcare system.

“This is not just about stopping medical tourism. It is about building health sovereignty, the ability of a country to care for its own people, develop its institutions, talent, and innovation,” Mr Pate said.