NDPC, Meta Launch Two-Year Data Protection Initiative to Boost Privacy Awareness in Nigeria

Nigeria is stepping up its digital safety game as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has partnered with Meta to launch a two-year initiative aimed at improving data protection, privacy awareness, and regulatory capacity across the country.

The programme, called the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP), stems from a court-approved settlement reached in 2025 following investigations into Meta Platforms Inc.’s data processing practices in Nigeria. According to the NDPC, the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act, 2023, and national digital policy frameworks designed to strengthen accountability in the online space.

Under the new initiative, both parties will focus on key areas such as digital governance, research and development, and strengthening safety systems within Nigeria’s growing digital ecosystem. It will also build capacity for data protection officers and compliance organisations while driving public awareness campaigns to educate users about their privacy rights.

The NDPC emphasized that special attention will be given to vulnerable groups, ensuring that more Nigerians understand how to protect their personal data and exercise their rights under the law. The commission also stressed that the agreement does not limit its regulatory authority, reaffirming its independence in overseeing data processing activities in the country.

This development comes after a turbulent history between Meta and Nigerian regulators, including a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in 2024 for alleged privacy violations. Although Meta previously threatened to shut down services like Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria, both parties have since moved toward dialogue and collaboration, signaling a shift from confrontation to cooperation in shaping Nigeria’s digital future.