General
Private Sector Data Compliance at 55%, Public Sector Yet to Reach 20%—NDPC
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has indicated that despite recent advances, issues continue in compliance with data mandates in Nigeria’s corporate and public sectors.
This was disclosed by the commission’s National Commissioner, Mr Vincent Olatunji, who noted that more than 1,000 financial institutions, schools, insurance companies, and consultancy firms are currently undergoing investigations for various degrees of breaches of citizens’ data.
Speaking during the first anniversary of the signing into law of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission Act by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, he said there have been increased levels of compliance with the law in both the private and public sectors.
Recall that on June 12, 2023, President Tinubu assented to the data protection bill to advance privacy rights and other fundamental freedoms both in cyberspace and in analogue transactions.
“When we started, the levels of compliance within the private sector was about 49 per cent while the public sector was 4 per cent. But today, private sector compliance is above 55, while the public sector has reached 15 per cent “, Olatunji said.
He, however, called for improvement in terms of compliance for the sectors.
Speaking further, the NDPC commissioner stated, “As of this time last year, we were so unsure if the president would assent to the bill, what if the president didn’t sign it, what would have happened? The bill was passed by the ninth Assembly and usually, when a new government comes in, they want to jettison all that the former government did before it got there. More importantly, it was a new government. I was apprehensive, everyone was worried but I kept faith in God even though I was not sure too and on the 12th of June last year, the president signed it.”
Speaking further, Mr Olatunji emphasised that the nation’s data ecosystem has surpassed a value of N10 billion due to the multiplier effect of assenting to the bill.
He stressed the commission’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ data by global best standards and practices, deeming it essential for ensuring its safety, security, and protection.
The national commissioner said, “Cumulatively, we have had over 1,000 reports of data breaches between when we started and now. The figure is low because of the low level of awareness among Nigerians.”
“We have finalised four major investigations and some have paid their remediation fees. In the law, we can fine companies depending on the nature of the breach, impact on the subject and level of cooperation and we got N400m from remediation fees,” he added.
He added that ongoing investigations were being conducted concerning data infractions.
He also said the commission had concluded arrangements to train 10,000 public servants in responsible data management, while about 1,000 data protection officers and processors including journalists would undergo training by the NDPC.
To check the activities of digital loan platforms, Olatunji said the NDPC collaborated with CBN, ICPC, EFCC, and other regulatory authorities, lamenting that most of the illegal digital loan platforms had no known or traceable addresses.
He, however, emphasised that ongoing efforts would focus on raising awareness among vulnerable Nigerians who fall prey to loan sharks due to lack of knowledge.
He noted that the nation’s large population and vast landmass pose challenges to fully clamping down on the activities of digital loan sharks, as many operate from isolated or remote areas without identifiable addresses.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Nigerians have been urged to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to intensify prayers against the challenges confronting the nation.
This appeal was made by the independent non-executive director of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), Mr Abdullahi Mahmud Gaya.
Mr Gaya described the current situation in the country as a test of citizens’ spiritual resolve and faith, tasking Muslims to reflect on the deeper significance of Eid-el-Fitr, noting that the festival symbolises sacrifice, obedience to Allah, and compassion for the less privileged.
“Every Muslim finds joy in observing the Ramadan fast, a fundamental obligation in Islam. We should not lose sight of the lessons it teaches: obedience to Allah, sharing our blessings with the needy, and being our brother’s keeper,” he said in a statement issued by his media assistant in Kano.
Speaking on the forthcoming general elections, Mr Gaya advised the electorate to vote for selfless leaders committed to national service and the welfare of Nigerians, describing the polls as a choice between progress and regression, stressing the need for voters to support candidates with verifiable achievements rather than empty promises.
He also urged Nigerians to remain mindful of their civic responsibilities by choosing leaders who demonstrate integrity, sincerity, and dedication.
According to him, the country’s future depends on the electorate exercising their voting rights wisely to elect leaders who understand the responsibilities of public office and approach them with humility, competence, and genuine commitment to service.
Mr Gaya expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for His mercies and felicitated with the people of Ajingi, Gaya, and Albasu Local Government Areas, as well as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Nigerians at large, on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Three African subsidiaries of global advisory firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), have been debarred by the World Bank Group for 21 months after being found guilty of manipulating procurement processes for a major cross-border electricity project.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Washington-based multilateral lender said PricewaterhouseCoopers Associates Africa Ltd, based in Mauritius, along with its Kenyan and Rwandan affiliates, engaged in “collusive and fraudulent practices” linked to the Eastern Electricity Highway Project, a flagship initiative to transmit hydropower from Ethiopia to Kenya.
The decision sidelines PwC from lucrative World Bank-funded projects on the continent, dealing a blow to one of the region’s most influential audit and advisory firms.
This development could reshape competition for high-value consulting work across emerging markets, potentially disrupting startups and tech firms reliant on World Bank funding, as scrutiny over governance and compliance tightens.
The World Bank, through its private sector arm, International Finance Corporation (IFC), offers grants and low-interest loans to startups across emerging markets.
Earlier this week, the IFC committed $20 million to invest in high-growth startups in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
“The debarment makes PwC Associates, PwC Kenya, PwC Rwanda, and any affiliates they control ineligible to participate in Bank Group-financed projects and operations,” the World Bank said. “It is part of a settlement agreement under which the three companies admit culpability for sanctionable practices.”
The determination was based on the company’s conduct between 2019 and the award of contracts for consultancy services and asset valuation work for the Ethiopian state power utilities.
According to the World Bank statement, the firm obtained confidential procurement documents to improperly influence the award of a contract for the implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards at the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation.
They also attempted to steer a separate contract for a fixed asset inventory and revaluation for the power utility towards PwC Associates. During the bidding and execution of that contract, the bank found that the company misrepresented the availability and qualifications of key experts and failed to disclose the full list of subconsultants involved.
According to the World Bank, the debarment is shorter than would otherwise apply because PwC admitted misconduct. The advisory firm also agreed to a series of remedial measures, including internal investigations, disciplinary action against responsible staff, terminating relationships with all subconsultants involved, and additional staff training.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UK‑based Asset Green Limited to advance the development of a $496 million large‑scale integrated dairy livestock production and processing platform set to transform Nigeria’s dairy industry and strengthen national food security.
This was signed on Tuesday in London ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit. The MoU outlines the framework for collaboration and the project‑development cost commitments leading up to the formal shareholders’ agreement.
It will combine 20,000 hectares of climate‑smart, regenerative crop and forage production with a modern 10,000‑milking cow dairy operation, supported by a state‑of‑the‑art processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, milk powders, butter, cream, and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually.
Designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported milk powder, the project aims to modernise agricultural practices, improve nutrition, and integrate up to 10,000 rural households into the supply chain through inclusive out‑grower schemes. Once operational, the platform is expected to generate over $620 million annually and create 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs nationwide.
Speaking on this, the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter, said, “Over a decade ago, the UK provided pivotal support to Nigeria in establishing the NSIA, offering legal and financial expertise that helped lay the foundation for its successful launch and strengthening its governance and credibility. That early institutional investment has paid dividends, helping to build a resilient Nigerian institution capable of creating jobs and driving transformational, long‑term development.
“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership is a powerful example of how that groundwork continues to deliver impact – a full‑circle moment that reflects the long-term economic cooperation between the UK and Nigeria and the shared commitment to deepening sustainable, private‑sector‑driven growth.”
The NSIA Managing Director, Mr Aminu Umar‑Sadiq, said, “NSIA is pleased to partner with Asset Green on this transformative investment. With a project size of almost US$500 million, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition security in a generation. By combining climate‑smart farming, advanced processing capacity, and inclusive out‑grower participation, we are laying the foundation for a modern, competitive dairy sector that reduces import dependence, creates meaningful jobs, and delivers long‑term value for Nigerians.”
On his part, Asset Green’s Director & Agrium Capital Ltd chief executive, Mr Rod Bassett, explained that the partnership between NSIA and the firm is the business and investment innovation required to unlock the potential of the agriculture sector in Nigeria, with the development of such a future (dairy) food system.
“The foundation of the approach is one of collaborating with NSIA and their shared vision and purpose to establish a platform to catalyse the development of such a national strategic priority. We are incredibly proud to partner with Nigeria’s premier investment institution.”
“The development of greenfield projects has consistently played a major role in our history, establishing industries or nurturing young businesses that are able to deliver catalytic transformation. This $500 million greenfield investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry allows for the development of advanced and necessary infrastructure spanning the full production and supply system to enhance local production, reduce the reliance on the huge imports of dairy goods into Nigeria, deliver environmental services and strengthen national food sovereignty and nutritional resilience,” he added.
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