The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) on Monday announced the launch of the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP) to strengthen data protection in Nigeria.
The development follows the Commission’s regulatory process involving Meta Platforms, Inc., after investigations into the company’s data processing practices in Nigeria.
In April 2026, Nigeria cancelled a $32.8 million fine previously imposed on Meta Platforms over alleged data protection violations.
The NDPC issued the penalty in 2025 following an investigation into Meta’s handling of data belonging to more than 60 million Nigerian users. Regulators alleged several breaches, including the lack of consent for behavioural advertising, unauthorised cross-border data transfers, and practices that could expose users to financial or health-related risks.
Under the new initiative, Meta has committed to supporting a two-year programme of public-facing data protection measures that aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), the NDP Act General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID), and the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2023–2027.
While calling on stakeholders to support the initiative in advancing a secure and accountable privacy ecosystem in Nigeria, the Commission assured the public of periodic updates on the implementation of the M-SIDP programme.
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