

For any business operating in Nigeria, understanding the data privacy landscape isn't just good practice—it's the law. The rules of the game have recently changed, evolving from the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to the new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, what does this evolution mean for your business? Let's break it down.
The Foundation: A Quick Look at the NDPR (2019)
The NDPR was Nigeria's first major step towards formalizing data protection. Issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), it laid the groundwork by introducing key principles like data consent, the rights of data subjects, and requirements for data controllers.
It was a fantastic start, but as a regulation and not a primary law, it had its limitations. The digital economy grew, and with it, the need for a more robust, independent legal framework became clear.
The Upgrade: Enter the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023
Signed into law in June 2023, the NDPA is not just an update; it's a major upgrade. It elevates data protection from a regulation to a full-fledged Act of Parliament. This change brings more legal weight, broader scope, and a stronger enforcement mechanism.
Key Differences: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
Legal Status | A Regulation issued by NITDA, a government agency. | A primary Act of Parliament, signed into law by the President. |
The Regulator | Enforced by NITDA. | Establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as an independent authority. |
Penalties | Fines of up to 2% of annual gross revenue for significant breaches. | Higher penalties: up to ₦10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue (whichever is greater). |
Scope | Focused on data controllers and processors in Nigeria. | Provides clearer and more detailed definitions, strengthening the obligations for businesses of all sizes. |
What This Evolution Means for Your Business
The shift from NDPR to NDPA signifies that data protection is now a core business priority in Nigeria. It’s no longer just an IT issue but a legal and strategic one. Here’s what you need to focus on:
Stricter Compliance: The NDPA’s status as an Act of Parliament means enforcement will be more rigorous. Businesses must take their data protection duties more seriously than ever.
Independent Oversight: With the NDPC as a dedicated regulator, expect more audits, clearer guidelines, and faster enforcement actions.
Building Customer Trust: Complying with the NDPA is the best way to show your customers that you value their privacy, building a stronger, more trustworthy brand.
How Walla Helps You Adapt and Comply
Navigating these legal changes can be complex, but with the right tools, it becomes manageable. Walla is designed to help you meet the stringent requirements of laws like the NDPA.
Data Residency & Sovereignty: The NDPA, like many global privacy laws, emphasizes where data is stored. Walla helps you store your customers' data within Nigeria's borders, ensuring you automatically comply with data residency rules.
Access Control: You must control who can access sensitive data. With Walla’s advanced permission settings, you can define roles and restrict access, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or manage personal information.
Data Protection by Design: The law requires protecting data from the start. Features like Walla’s data masking allow you to conceal sensitive information in test or analytical environments, minimizing risk.
Secure Infrastructure: With dedicated IP configurations and robust security measures, Walla provides a secure foundation for your data, helping you fulfill your duty to protect it from breaches.
The NDPA 2023 is a positive step forward for data privacy in Nigeria. By understanding the changes and leveraging tools like Walla, your business can not only ensure compliance but also turn it into a competitive advantage.
Nigerian Pidgin English
NDPR vs NDPA: How Nigeria Data Privacy Law Don Dey Change
For any bizness wey dey run for Nigeria, to understand how to handle people data no be just to do good bizness—na law. And di rules for dis game just change now, from di Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to di new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, wetin be di difference? And di main question be say, wetin dis change mean for your bizness? Make we break am down.
Di Foundation: How NDPR (2019) Take Start
Di NDPR naim be di first major step wey Nigeria take to arrange di matter of data protection. Na National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bring am out, and e set di foundation by teaching us important things like why you must ask person before you collect their data, di rights wey people get over their data, and wetin bizness people must do.
E been make sense well well, but as e be say na just regulation and no be proper law from parliament, e get as e be. As internet bizness dey grow, e come clear say we need stronger and independent law.
Di Upgrade: See Di New NDPA (2023)
Di NDPA wey dem sign into law for June 2023, no be just update; na serious upgrade. E carry data protection matter from regulation level go to proper Act of Parliament. Dis change get more power for law, e cover more ground, and di people wey go enforce am get more power.
Di Main Difference: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
How di Law Stand | Na Regulation from NITDA, one government agency. | Na proper Act of Parliament, wey President sign. |
Who Dey in Charge | Na NITDA dey enforce am. | E create di Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as oga on their own. |
Penalty | Fine fit reach 2% of money wey you make in one year if you fall hand well well. | Higher penalty: fine fit reach ₦10 million or 2% of your yearly money (whichever one pass). |
Who E Concern | E focus on people wey dey control and process data for Nigeria. | E give clearer explanation, and put more responsibility ontop all bizness, whether big or small. |
Wetin Dis Change Mean For Your Bizness
Dis movement from NDPR to NDPA dey show say data protection now na very serious matter for bizness inside Nigeria. E no be IT people matter alone again, na law matter and company plan. See wetin you suppose focus on:
Compliance Don Tighten: As NDPA be Act of Parliament, to enforce am go dey more serious. Bizness people must to take di matter of data protection serious pass before.
Independent Oga Dey: With NDPC as di new oga wey dey on their own, expect say dem go dey check book well well, give clearer rules, and act fast if person mess up.
Make Your Customers Trust You: If you follow di NDPA law, na di best way to show your customers say you value their private information. E go build your brand make am strong.
How Walla Go Help You Adapt and Comply
To dey follow all these new laws fit be headache, but if you get di right tools, e go easy. Walla dey here to help you meet all di serious requirements of laws like di NDPA.
Keep Data For Naija: Di NDPA and other laws dey talk say make you know where you keep data. Walla go help you store your customer data inside Nigeria, so you go dey comply with data residency rules sharp sharp.
Control Who See Wetin: You must to control who fit access important data. With Walla advanced permission setting, you fit give different-different role and block people wey no suppose see am, to make sure say na only di right people dey see person information.
Protect Data From Scratch: Di law talk say make you protect data from di beginning. Walla get feature like data masking wey you fit use hide important information when you dey do test, so risk go reduce.
Secure Platform: With special IP configuration and strong-strong security, Walla give you a safe place for your data, to help you do your duty to protect am from hackers.
Di NDPA 2023 na better step for data privacy inside Nigeria. If you understand di changes and use tools like Walla, your bizness no go only comply, e go even become your power for market.
For any business operating in Nigeria, understanding the data privacy landscape isn't just good practice—it's the law. The rules of the game have recently changed, evolving from the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to the new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, what does this evolution mean for your business? Let's break it down.
The Foundation: A Quick Look at the NDPR (2019)
The NDPR was Nigeria's first major step towards formalizing data protection. Issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), it laid the groundwork by introducing key principles like data consent, the rights of data subjects, and requirements for data controllers.
It was a fantastic start, but as a regulation and not a primary law, it had its limitations. The digital economy grew, and with it, the need for a more robust, independent legal framework became clear.
The Upgrade: Enter the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023
Signed into law in June 2023, the NDPA is not just an update; it's a major upgrade. It elevates data protection from a regulation to a full-fledged Act of Parliament. This change brings more legal weight, broader scope, and a stronger enforcement mechanism.
Key Differences: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
Legal Status | A Regulation issued by NITDA, a government agency. | A primary Act of Parliament, signed into law by the President. |
The Regulator | Enforced by NITDA. | Establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as an independent authority. |
Penalties | Fines of up to 2% of annual gross revenue for significant breaches. | Higher penalties: up to ₦10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue (whichever is greater). |
Scope | Focused on data controllers and processors in Nigeria. | Provides clearer and more detailed definitions, strengthening the obligations for businesses of all sizes. |
What This Evolution Means for Your Business
The shift from NDPR to NDPA signifies that data protection is now a core business priority in Nigeria. It’s no longer just an IT issue but a legal and strategic one. Here’s what you need to focus on:
Stricter Compliance: The NDPA’s status as an Act of Parliament means enforcement will be more rigorous. Businesses must take their data protection duties more seriously than ever.
Independent Oversight: With the NDPC as a dedicated regulator, expect more audits, clearer guidelines, and faster enforcement actions.
Building Customer Trust: Complying with the NDPA is the best way to show your customers that you value their privacy, building a stronger, more trustworthy brand.
How Walla Helps You Adapt and Comply
Navigating these legal changes can be complex, but with the right tools, it becomes manageable. Walla is designed to help you meet the stringent requirements of laws like the NDPA.
Data Residency & Sovereignty: The NDPA, like many global privacy laws, emphasizes where data is stored. Walla helps you store your customers' data within Nigeria's borders, ensuring you automatically comply with data residency rules.
Access Control: You must control who can access sensitive data. With Walla’s advanced permission settings, you can define roles and restrict access, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or manage personal information.
Data Protection by Design: The law requires protecting data from the start. Features like Walla’s data masking allow you to conceal sensitive information in test or analytical environments, minimizing risk.
Secure Infrastructure: With dedicated IP configurations and robust security measures, Walla provides a secure foundation for your data, helping you fulfill your duty to protect it from breaches.
The NDPA 2023 is a positive step forward for data privacy in Nigeria. By understanding the changes and leveraging tools like Walla, your business can not only ensure compliance but also turn it into a competitive advantage.
Nigerian Pidgin English
NDPR vs NDPA: How Nigeria Data Privacy Law Don Dey Change
For any bizness wey dey run for Nigeria, to understand how to handle people data no be just to do good bizness—na law. And di rules for dis game just change now, from di Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to di new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, wetin be di difference? And di main question be say, wetin dis change mean for your bizness? Make we break am down.
Di Foundation: How NDPR (2019) Take Start
Di NDPR naim be di first major step wey Nigeria take to arrange di matter of data protection. Na National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bring am out, and e set di foundation by teaching us important things like why you must ask person before you collect their data, di rights wey people get over their data, and wetin bizness people must do.
E been make sense well well, but as e be say na just regulation and no be proper law from parliament, e get as e be. As internet bizness dey grow, e come clear say we need stronger and independent law.
Di Upgrade: See Di New NDPA (2023)
Di NDPA wey dem sign into law for June 2023, no be just update; na serious upgrade. E carry data protection matter from regulation level go to proper Act of Parliament. Dis change get more power for law, e cover more ground, and di people wey go enforce am get more power.
Di Main Difference: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
How di Law Stand | Na Regulation from NITDA, one government agency. | Na proper Act of Parliament, wey President sign. |
Who Dey in Charge | Na NITDA dey enforce am. | E create di Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as oga on their own. |
Penalty | Fine fit reach 2% of money wey you make in one year if you fall hand well well. | Higher penalty: fine fit reach ₦10 million or 2% of your yearly money (whichever one pass). |
Who E Concern | E focus on people wey dey control and process data for Nigeria. | E give clearer explanation, and put more responsibility ontop all bizness, whether big or small. |
Wetin Dis Change Mean For Your Bizness
Dis movement from NDPR to NDPA dey show say data protection now na very serious matter for bizness inside Nigeria. E no be IT people matter alone again, na law matter and company plan. See wetin you suppose focus on:
Compliance Don Tighten: As NDPA be Act of Parliament, to enforce am go dey more serious. Bizness people must to take di matter of data protection serious pass before.
Independent Oga Dey: With NDPC as di new oga wey dey on their own, expect say dem go dey check book well well, give clearer rules, and act fast if person mess up.
Make Your Customers Trust You: If you follow di NDPA law, na di best way to show your customers say you value their private information. E go build your brand make am strong.
How Walla Go Help You Adapt and Comply
To dey follow all these new laws fit be headache, but if you get di right tools, e go easy. Walla dey here to help you meet all di serious requirements of laws like di NDPA.
Keep Data For Naija: Di NDPA and other laws dey talk say make you know where you keep data. Walla go help you store your customer data inside Nigeria, so you go dey comply with data residency rules sharp sharp.
Control Who See Wetin: You must to control who fit access important data. With Walla advanced permission setting, you fit give different-different role and block people wey no suppose see am, to make sure say na only di right people dey see person information.
Protect Data From Scratch: Di law talk say make you protect data from di beginning. Walla get feature like data masking wey you fit use hide important information when you dey do test, so risk go reduce.
Secure Platform: With special IP configuration and strong-strong security, Walla give you a safe place for your data, to help you do your duty to protect am from hackers.
Di NDPA 2023 na better step for data privacy inside Nigeria. If you understand di changes and use tools like Walla, your bizness no go only comply, e go even become your power for market.
For any business operating in Nigeria, understanding the data privacy landscape isn't just good practice—it's the law. The rules of the game have recently changed, evolving from the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to the new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, what’s the difference? And more importantly, what does this evolution mean for your business? Let's break it down.
The Foundation: A Quick Look at the NDPR (2019)
The NDPR was Nigeria's first major step towards formalizing data protection. Issued by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), it laid the groundwork by introducing key principles like data consent, the rights of data subjects, and requirements for data controllers.
It was a fantastic start, but as a regulation and not a primary law, it had its limitations. The digital economy grew, and with it, the need for a more robust, independent legal framework became clear.
The Upgrade: Enter the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023
Signed into law in June 2023, the NDPA is not just an update; it's a major upgrade. It elevates data protection from a regulation to a full-fledged Act of Parliament. This change brings more legal weight, broader scope, and a stronger enforcement mechanism.
Key Differences: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
Legal Status | A Regulation issued by NITDA, a government agency. | A primary Act of Parliament, signed into law by the President. |
The Regulator | Enforced by NITDA. | Establishes the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as an independent authority. |
Penalties | Fines of up to 2% of annual gross revenue for significant breaches. | Higher penalties: up to ₦10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue (whichever is greater). |
Scope | Focused on data controllers and processors in Nigeria. | Provides clearer and more detailed definitions, strengthening the obligations for businesses of all sizes. |
What This Evolution Means for Your Business
The shift from NDPR to NDPA signifies that data protection is now a core business priority in Nigeria. It’s no longer just an IT issue but a legal and strategic one. Here’s what you need to focus on:
Stricter Compliance: The NDPA’s status as an Act of Parliament means enforcement will be more rigorous. Businesses must take their data protection duties more seriously than ever.
Independent Oversight: With the NDPC as a dedicated regulator, expect more audits, clearer guidelines, and faster enforcement actions.
Building Customer Trust: Complying with the NDPA is the best way to show your customers that you value their privacy, building a stronger, more trustworthy brand.
How Walla Helps You Adapt and Comply
Navigating these legal changes can be complex, but with the right tools, it becomes manageable. Walla is designed to help you meet the stringent requirements of laws like the NDPA.
Data Residency & Sovereignty: The NDPA, like many global privacy laws, emphasizes where data is stored. Walla helps you store your customers' data within Nigeria's borders, ensuring you automatically comply with data residency rules.
Access Control: You must control who can access sensitive data. With Walla’s advanced permission settings, you can define roles and restrict access, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or manage personal information.
Data Protection by Design: The law requires protecting data from the start. Features like Walla’s data masking allow you to conceal sensitive information in test or analytical environments, minimizing risk.
Secure Infrastructure: With dedicated IP configurations and robust security measures, Walla provides a secure foundation for your data, helping you fulfill your duty to protect it from breaches.
The NDPA 2023 is a positive step forward for data privacy in Nigeria. By understanding the changes and leveraging tools like Walla, your business can not only ensure compliance but also turn it into a competitive advantage.
Nigerian Pidgin English
NDPR vs NDPA: How Nigeria Data Privacy Law Don Dey Change
For any bizness wey dey run for Nigeria, to understand how to handle people data no be just to do good bizness—na law. And di rules for dis game just change now, from di Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) of 2019 to di new Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023.
So, wetin be di difference? And di main question be say, wetin dis change mean for your bizness? Make we break am down.
Di Foundation: How NDPR (2019) Take Start
Di NDPR naim be di first major step wey Nigeria take to arrange di matter of data protection. Na National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bring am out, and e set di foundation by teaching us important things like why you must ask person before you collect their data, di rights wey people get over their data, and wetin bizness people must do.
E been make sense well well, but as e be say na just regulation and no be proper law from parliament, e get as e be. As internet bizness dey grow, e come clear say we need stronger and independent law.
Di Upgrade: See Di New NDPA (2023)
Di NDPA wey dem sign into law for June 2023, no be just update; na serious upgrade. E carry data protection matter from regulation level go to proper Act of Parliament. Dis change get more power for law, e cover more ground, and di people wey go enforce am get more power.
Di Main Difference: NDPR vs. NDPA
Feature | NDPR (2019) | NDPA (2023) |
---|---|---|
How di Law Stand | Na Regulation from NITDA, one government agency. | Na proper Act of Parliament, wey President sign. |
Who Dey in Charge | Na NITDA dey enforce am. | E create di Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) as oga on their own. |
Penalty | Fine fit reach 2% of money wey you make in one year if you fall hand well well. | Higher penalty: fine fit reach ₦10 million or 2% of your yearly money (whichever one pass). |
Who E Concern | E focus on people wey dey control and process data for Nigeria. | E give clearer explanation, and put more responsibility ontop all bizness, whether big or small. |
Wetin Dis Change Mean For Your Bizness
Dis movement from NDPR to NDPA dey show say data protection now na very serious matter for bizness inside Nigeria. E no be IT people matter alone again, na law matter and company plan. See wetin you suppose focus on:
Compliance Don Tighten: As NDPA be Act of Parliament, to enforce am go dey more serious. Bizness people must to take di matter of data protection serious pass before.
Independent Oga Dey: With NDPC as di new oga wey dey on their own, expect say dem go dey check book well well, give clearer rules, and act fast if person mess up.
Make Your Customers Trust You: If you follow di NDPA law, na di best way to show your customers say you value their private information. E go build your brand make am strong.
How Walla Go Help You Adapt and Comply
To dey follow all these new laws fit be headache, but if you get di right tools, e go easy. Walla dey here to help you meet all di serious requirements of laws like di NDPA.
Keep Data For Naija: Di NDPA and other laws dey talk say make you know where you keep data. Walla go help you store your customer data inside Nigeria, so you go dey comply with data residency rules sharp sharp.
Control Who See Wetin: You must to control who fit access important data. With Walla advanced permission setting, you fit give different-different role and block people wey no suppose see am, to make sure say na only di right people dey see person information.
Protect Data From Scratch: Di law talk say make you protect data from di beginning. Walla get feature like data masking wey you fit use hide important information when you dey do test, so risk go reduce.
Secure Platform: With special IP configuration and strong-strong security, Walla give you a safe place for your data, to help you do your duty to protect am from hackers.
Di NDPA 2023 na better step for data privacy inside Nigeria. If you understand di changes and use tools like Walla, your bizness no go only comply, e go even become your power for market.
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The form you've been searching for?
Walla, Obviously.
Services
The form you've been searching for?
Walla, Obviously.
Services
The form you've been searching for?
Walla, Obviously.
Services
