Nigeria Joins Global Privacy Forum, eyes $1bn digital economy boost

The Federal Government has announced Nigeria’s entry into the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules (CBPR) Forum as an associate member as part of efforts boost the nations digital economy and data governance.

The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji stated this during a media briefing in Abuja, ahead of the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities (NADPA-RAPDP), scheduled for May 6–8.

Dr. Olatunji, described the decision as a major step in aligning Nigeria’s data protection framework with international standards.

“We are pleased to announce our intention to join the Global CBPR Forum as an associate member. This will give Nigerian organisations more lawful options for cross-border data transfers while ensuring that our Data Protection Act is strictly enforced,” Olatunji said.

He noted the increasing need for secure data flows across borders in sectors such as health, education, tourism, and e-commerce. To support this, the NDPC will establish a strategic task team to draft guidelines consistent with global best practices.

Dr Olatunji explained that under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), the Commission has the mandate to assess foreign data protection adequacy, and approve mechanisms such as binding corporate rules, standard contractual clauses, and certification systems.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s involvement in the CBPR Forum would enhance trust, encourage innovation, and enable Nigerian Data Protection Compliance Organisations to tap into international accountability systems.

Nigeria’s entry into the forum comes nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu signed the NDPA into law on June 12, 2023. The law created the NDPC and elevated Nigeria’s status as a serious player in global data governance.

The NADPA-RAPDP conference will draw over 2,000 participants from more than 30 countries, including delegates from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America. It will feature plenary sessions, masterclasses, fireside chats, a white paper launch on Nigeria’s data management ecosystem, and exhibitions by public and private sector players.

Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to declare the conference open in Abuja on May 6.

Olatunji highlighted that the NDPA has opened up $1 billion in opportunities within Nigeria’s data protection and privacy sector, with the potential to significantly boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product.

He also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, the European Union, the World Bank, and major tech firms like Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Huawei. Nigerian banks including Access Bank, GTBank, and Zenith Bank were also commended.

Christine Harbaugh, Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy, lauded Nigeria’s move as a “significant milestone” that will attract investors and enhance digital trade.

“By joining the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is sending a clear message to the world: it is open for digital business,” she said, adding that the partnership would facilitate trusted data transfers and strengthen trade ties, especially with the U.S., where 60% of Nigerian startups are incorporated.

The CBPR Forum, established under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), promotes regulatory harmony and accountability in international data flows.

Editing by Daniel Adejo