Regulationsby GlyphNigeria NDPA
Amended Nigeria · In force Jun 12, 2023 · no upcoming deadlines
Deadlines
GAID 2025 takes effectGeneral Application and Implementation Directive becomes effective, replacing the NDPR 2019 and NDPR Implementation Framework.
NDPA signed into lawPresident signs the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.
Summaries for reference, not legal advice. Check the official text.
What it does
Nigeria's primary data protection statute, establishing the NDPC, lawful bases, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification, and special duties for data controllers and processors of major importance (registration, DPO, compliance audits). The GAID 2025 supersedes the NDPR 2019 and its Implementation Framework with detailed rules on audits, DPIAs, transfers and more.
- Who it applies to
- Controllers and processors domiciled or operating in Nigeria, or processing personal data of data subjects in Nigeria. 'Data controllers/processors of major importance' designated by NDPC thresholds (tiered by number of data subjects processed).
- Penalties
- Data controllers/processors of major importance: higher of NGN 10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue in the preceding financial year; others: higher of NGN 2 million or 2% of annual gross revenue.
- Enforced by
- Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
- Official name
- Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 and NDPA General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025
- Citation
- Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023
- Topics
- Privacy, Breach notification, Data residency
Research notes
GAID was issued in March 2025 (exact issuance date not verified). Status marked 'amended' because GAID materially changed implementing rules in 2025.
Related
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Israel Privacy Protection Law Amendment 13Major overhaul of Israel's privacy law: broadens definitions (personal and highly sensitive information), narrows database registration, requires privacy protection officers for certain entities, and gives the Privacy Protection Authority powers to impose large administrative fines and orders, plus statutory damages.In effect since Aug 14, 2025
Kenya Data Protection ActKenya's GDPR-inspired data protection law establishing the ODPC, mandatory registration of data controllers and processors, data subject rights, 72-hour breach notification to the Commissioner, DPIAs, and conditions on cross-border transfers (with some data localisation for strategic public interest processing).In effect since Nov 25, 2019Rwanda DPP LawRwanda's data protection law, modelled on the GDPR. Controllers and processors must register with the supervisory authority, report breaches within 72 hours, and store personal data in Rwanda unless they hold a certificate allowing storage abroad. Cross-border transfers need authorisation or another listed ground.In effect since Oct 15, 2021
Saudi PDPLSaudi Arabia's comprehensive data protection law with implementing regulations and separate transfer regulations: legal bases, data subject rights, breach notification to SDAIA within 72 hours, DPO and registration requirements, and restrictions on transfers outside the Kingdom.In effect since Sep 14, 2023
South Africa Cybercrimes ActCreates cybercrime offences such as unlawful access, interception, interference with data and systems, cyber fraud, extortion, and malicious communications including harmful intimate images. It also sets rules for search, seizure and cross-border cooperation. The duty for electronic communications service providers and financial institutions to report cybercrime (section 54) has not yet commenced.In effect since Dec 1, 2021South Africa POPIASouth Africa's comprehensive data protection law built on eight conditions for lawful processing, with Information Officer registration, security compromise notification to the Regulator and data subjects, and restrictions on direct marketing and cross-border transfers. Protects juristic persons as well as individuals.In effect since Jul 1, 2020
Questions about Nigeria NDPA
- What are the Nigeria NDPA compliance deadlines?
- Jun 12, 2023: NDPA signed into law. Sep 19, 2025: GAID 2025 takes effect.
- When does Nigeria NDPA take effect?
- Nigeria NDPA took effect on Jun 12, 2023.
- Who does Nigeria NDPA apply to?
- Controllers and processors domiciled or operating in Nigeria, or processing personal data of data subjects in Nigeria. 'Data controllers/processors of major importance' designated by NDPC thresholds (tiered by number of data subjects processed).
- What are the penalties under Nigeria NDPA?
- Data controllers/processors of major importance: higher of NGN 10 million or 2% of annual gross revenue in the preceding financial year; others: higher of NGN 2 million or 2% of annual gross revenue.