On Monday, June 12th, 2023, Bola Tinubu, the President, approved the Data Protection Bill, which has been confirmed by the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau.

The bureau has revealed that the implementation of this law is projected to generate approximately 500,000 job opportunities through the training of Data Protection Officers and the licensing of Data Protection Compliance Organizations to provide services to data controllers and processors.

The NDPB's statement, signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal Enforcement and Regulations, highlighted that the new legislation is an essential step towards fulfilling Tinubu's campaign pledge of generating one million jobs in the digital economy sector. Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the NDPB, emphasized that the act will promote the privacy rights and fundamental freedoms of Nigerians in both online and offline transactions.

Part of the statement reads, "With President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's endorsement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act on June 12, 2023, Nigeria has made significant progress in the global competition surrounding data. In accordance with the explicit provisions of the new act, the NDPB has transitioned into a fully empowered commission with the mandate to regulate various aspects, including the implementation of technological and organizational measures to enhance the protection of personal data."

The commission is tasked with promoting the advancement of personal data protection technologies, following internationally recognized best practices and applicable international laws. Additionally, it is responsible for conducting investigations into any breaches of the Act's requirements and imposing penalties for violations of the Act's provisions or related subsidiary legislation.

As needed, the commission will accredit, license, and register qualified individuals to offer data protection compliance services. It is also authorized to issue regulations, rules, directives, and guidance in accordance with the Act. Furthermore, the commission will be responsible for registering data controllers and data processors of significant importance.