The digital economy sector recorded a major milestone today as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The MoU aims to strengthen the protection of data and privacy within the telecommunications sector.

At the signing ceremony, the National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, Dr Vincent Olatunji, commended the Executive Vice-Chairman of the NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, for his commitment to data protection and privacy among mobile network operators. He emphasised the importance of data protection and privacy, and highlighted that meaningful progress in this area cannot be achieved without effective co‑operation and collaboration with regulators. He stated that prioritising privacy in the telecommunications sector can’t be overemphasised, underscoring the importance of the MoU.

In his remarks, Dr Maida agreed with Dr Olatunji on the necessity of inter-regulatory collaboration to successfully deliver on their respective mandates. He observed that data protection and privacy have become global concerns, and reaffirmed the NCC’s commitment to ensuring that all entities under its regulatory oversight comply fully with the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).

Both the NDPC and the NCC agreed that the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding should commence immediately, signalling a shared commitment to strengthening data protection, regulatory co‑operation, and compliance within Nigeria’s telecommunications sector.