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NDPC: Nigeria records 40,000 data controllers, launches data privacy academy for 60,000 learners – Technology Times
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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says more than 40,000 data controllers and processors have been registered in Nigeria within the last three years, underscoring the rapid expansion of the country’s data protection ecosystem as digital adoption accelerates across sectors.
The disclosure was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, during an Executive Regulatory Address titled “From Awareness to Accountability: Strengthening Data Protection Compliance in Nigeria’s Digital Economy” at the 15th West Africa Convergence Conference (WACC) 2026.
Olatunji says the commission has also launched a new Virtual Privacy Academy, onboarding more than 60,000 learners onto the digital training platform as part of efforts to address the country’s growing demand for privacy professionals.
“We noticed that the level of awareness among the Nigerian population was very low,” he says, noting that many Nigerians routinely share sensitive information such as names, telephone numbers, residential addresses, bank account details and passport information without fully understanding the implications.
According to him, Nigeria currently has more than 10,000 major data controllers and processors, creating increasing demand for skilled professionals capable of supporting compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
The NDPC CEO says the Commission has helped create more than 27,000 jobs within Nigeria’s emerging data protection ecosystem.
NDPC expands data privacy workforce pipeline
The newly-launched Virtual Privacy Academy represents the next phase of the Commission’s nationwide capacity-building strategy.
Designed as a self-paced, Nollywood-themed digital learning platform, the academy enables users to learn about data privacy and protection remotely, extending learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom and industrial training programmes.
“The next phase is the Virtual Privacy Academy,” Olatunji says, describing it as a time-saving platform that allows participants to continue learning beyond physical training sessions.
According to him, more than 60,000 people have already been onboarded onto the platform as the Commission scales privacy education across Nigeria.
The initiative builds on NDPC’s broader awareness campaign aimed at addressing shortages in data protection expertise while equipping organisations with the skills required to comply with Nigeria’s evolving privacy regulations.
Olatunji says the Commission has also domesticated professional certification programmes, with about 1,500 Data Protection Officers (DPOs) already certified.
The Commission is further expanding its Digital Privacy Awareness Campaign across tertiary institutions and establishing privacy clubs to educate students about their privacy rights while encouraging careers in data protection.
“This is an ecosystem where professionals are being looked at all over the world,” Olatunji says. “They are looking for data protection professionals all over the world.”
Digital trust critical to Nigeria’s economy
According to the NDPC boss, building trust in Nigeria’s digital economy begins with ensuring that citizens are confident that their personal information is adequately protected.
“Today,” Olatunji says, “it is your right to ensure that whoever collects and processes your data puts in place appropriate measures in terms of technical measures, in terms of organisational measures to ensure that your data is always protected.”
The NDPC chief notes that awareness and human capital development remain central to the Commission’s strategy after identifying low levels of public awareness regarding privacy rights.
“We noticed that the level of awareness among the Nigerian population was very low,” he says, noting that many Nigerians routinely share sensitive information such as names, telephone numbers, residential addresses, bank account details and passport information without fully understanding the implications.
Olatunji warns that cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated, with digital security now playing a central role in national security. “National security is now a digital security matter. Wars are not fought physically anymore. Wars are fought digitally, online,” he says.
NDPC records thousands of cyber attacks weekly
Beyond awareness, the Commission is increasingly positioning data protection as a critical component of Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture.
Olatunji warns that cyber threats have become increasingly sophisticated, with digital security now playing a central role in national security.
“National security is now a digital security matter. Wars are not fought physically anymore. Wars are fought digitally, online,” he says.
The NDPC itself experiences persistent cyber threats, according to Olatunji, who reveals that the Commission records more than 4,000 attempted cyber attacks on its network in a single week.
He also links strong privacy and data governance frameworks to economic competitiveness, saying countries with credible data protection regimes are increasingly better positioned to attract foreign investment and participate in the global digital economy.
“A lot of foreign investors are looking for organisations to have the data protection law and an independent data protection authority,” he says.
Olatunji urges organisations to view privacy compliance not merely as a legal obligation but as a strategic business enabler capable of strengthening customer trust, supporting innovation and driving economic growth.
“The next phase is to strengthen awareness and accountability across all sectors. By doing so, we will strengthen trust, enable innovation, drive economic growth, and secure the future of the digital economy,” he says.
Established under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, the NDPC has since expanded enforcement activities, issued implementation guidelines and licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs) as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection regime.
The commission was also recognised in the Institutional Recognition Category of the 50 Most Influential Figures in Nigeria’s Digital Economy at WACC 2026, NDPC adds.
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IFAF Commends NSC’s Transparency, Confirms NFAF Recognition as Dikko, Olopade’s Vision Earns Global Backing
The leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), under the Chairmanship of Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, has received a significant endorsement from the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) following the world governing body’s confirmation that the Nigeria Federation of American Football (NFAF) is the organisation recognised to oversee the sport in Nigeria.
The clarification, issued by IFAF Managing Director Andy Fuller, validates the process undertaken by the National Sports Commission in February 2026 when it inaugurated the NFAF after extensive consultations aimed at unifying the administration of American football under one national structure.
Responding to enquiries on Nigeria’s membership status, Fuller explained that IFAF had been fully aware of the governance reforms introduced by the National Sports Commission and the establishment of the new federation.
«”Historically NAFA has been the IFAF Member Federation for Nigeria,” Fuller said.»
He noted that the international federation had followed the transition process from the beginning.
«”IFAF is aware of the changes to the governance of the sport in Nigeria and the formation of the new body, NFAF, drawing together NAFA and other key stakeholders to serve all forms of American football from grassroots through to high performance.”»
In what many stakeholders have described as a major vote of confidence in Nigeria’s sports administration, Fuller reserved special commendation for the National Sports Commission over the manner in which the transition was managed.
«”I am deeply grateful for the transparency shown by the Sports Commission during this process.”»
The commendation is expected to reinforce confidence in the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, whose administration has consistently maintained that the establishment of the NFAF was aimed at bringing all stakeholders together under a single governing structure capable of driving the sustainable growth of American football across Nigeria.
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Fuller’s clarification was his unequivocal confirmation that the International Federation of American Football already recognises the Nigeria Federation of American Football as the body mandated by the National Sports Commission to administer the sport.
«”IFAF recognises NFAF as the body charged by the Sports Commission for the oversight of the sport and our records reflect this,” Fuller stated.»
He further explained that the only outstanding matter is an administrative update to IFAF’s public website.
«”In due course, our website will be updated to reflect the leadership of NFAF.”»
The statement also brings clarity to earlier speculation that Nigeria would have to wait for a future IFAF Congress before the country’s new federation could receive international recognition.
While IFAF’s Membership Principles provide that Associate Membership is conferred by Congress, the world governing body’s latest clarification confirms that the transition involving Nigeria has already been acknowledged. According to IFAF, the remaining update to its website is purely administrative and should not be interpreted as a constitutional or procedural obstacle to the federation’s recognition.
The development represents another milestone in the National Sports Commission’s efforts to reposition Nigerian sports through dialogue, stakeholder engagement, institutional reforms and adherence to international best practices.
It also provides certainty ahead of the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships in Düsseldorf, Germany, where Nigeria will compete in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
Expressing confidence in Team Nigeria, Fuller said:
«”In August we will welcome the Nigerian national teams to Germany to compete in the IFAF World Championships. I have no doubt that they will represent Nigeria well on the global stage and truly showcase the talent within the country.”»
For many within the American football community, the statement from the world governing body represents far more than a clarification. It is a strong endorsement of the National Sports Commission’s transparent approach to reform and a clear affirmation that the process leading to the establishment of the Nigeria Federation of American Football was undertaken with the knowledge, confidence and recognition of the sport’s international governing body.
With the issue of international recognition now clarified, the focus is expected to shift entirely to preparations for the World Championships, as Nigeria looks to build on its growing reputation as one of Africa’s emerging forces in American football and flag football.
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