Nigeria’s data protection sector is proving to be a significant economic driver, creating 23,000 jobs in 2024, according to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). This marks a 127% increase from the 10,123 jobs generated in 2023.
The NDPC disclosed this in its 2024 Annual Data Protection Report, highlighting substantial progress in data compliance, security, and economic impact. Beyond employment, the report revealed a sharp rise in compliance revenue, reaching ₦1.5 billion in 2024, compared to ₦325 million the previous year. Verified Data Protection Officers (DPOs) also grew by 48%, climbing from 1,955 in 2023 to 2,888 in 2024.
The cumulative revenue from data protection activities surged to ₦12 billion in 2024, nearly doubling the ₦6.2 billion recorded in 2023. Additionally, the number of companies filing compliance audit reports rose to 4,691, reflecting growing awareness and adherence to Nigeria’s data protection regulations.
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“This growth is a testament to the Federal Government’s commitment to safeguarding data rights and fostering economic development,” said Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPC. He emphasized that the progress aligns with the Nigeria Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDPSRAP) 2023–2027.
Dr. Olatunji also noted that data controllers and processors are now held accountable under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), ensuring transparency in data handling. “This means a trader in Ariara, Gusau, or Balogun markets can rest assured their personal data won’t be misused to open a bank account or secure loans without consent,” he added.
As of June 2023, the data protection industry had contributed ₦5.5 billion to Nigeria’s GDP. Dr. Olatunji projects the sector could create over 500,000 jobs, given Nigeria’s vast data-generating ecosystem with over 500,000 entities requiring data protection officers. “The global demand for data policing offers immense career opportunities for Nigerians, anchored on local and international regulations,” he said.
With Nigeria ranked as the fifth most populous nation globally, the country’s data protection strategy aims to secure its growing digital economy. The NDPC is also gearing up to enforce heavier fines for breaches, ensuring a robust regulatory environment to attract investments and build trust in the digital space.
