The Federal Government has announced Nigeria’s entry into the Global Cross-Border Privacy Rules Forum as an associate member.
This move is aimed at strengthening the country’s framework for secure cross-border data transfers and boosting its digital economy.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, during a press briefing in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Network of African Data Protection Authorities, scheduled to hold from May 6 to 8.
Speaking at the event, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, said the decision to join the CBPR Forum marked a major step in aligning Nigeria’s data protection regime with global standards.
He said, “We are pleased to announce our intention to join the Global Cross Border Privacy Rules Forum as an associate member.
“This will allow Nigerian organisations more options in the lawful transfer of personal data across borders, while ensuring that the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act are rigorously enforced.”
Olatunji noted that as data continues to move across jurisdictions for purposes such as health, education, tourism, and e-commerce, it has become necessary to establish frameworks that promote both innovation and the protection of citizens’ privacy rights.
He added that the NDPC would set up a strategic task team, involving key stakeholders, to develop guidelines for cross-border data transfers that are consistent with international best practices.
The commissioner explained that under the NDP Act, the Commission is mandated to assess the adequacy of data protection in other countries, approve binding corporate rules, codes of conduct, standard contractual clauses, and certification mechanisms to regulate data transfers.
“We are working to ensure that Nigerian Data Protection Compliance Organisations can leverage the accountability procedures under the CBPR framework. It is about cross-pollination of ideas and building a trustworthy ecosystem for data-driven development,” he said.
Nigeria’s decision to join the Forum comes nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu signed the Nigeria Data Protection Act into law on June 12, 2023.
The law established the NDPC and positioned Nigeria as a serious player in global data governance.
Olatunji said the NADPA-RAPDP conference would host over 30 African countries and attract participants from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
According to him, the event will feature five plenary sessions, two masterclasses, fireside chats, and the launch of a white paper on Nigeria’s data management ecosystem.
He said the event would also showcase Nigeria’s achievements in digital transformation, with exhibitions by public and private sector players and visits to tourist sites.
No fewer than 2,000 participants from over 30 countries have registered for the event, which will be declared open by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja on May 6.
According to Olatunji, the Nigerian Data Protection Act has positioned the country for global recognition and opened up $1bn opportunities in data protection and privacy to boost Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
The commissioner commended the support of the Federal Government, the European Union, the World Bank, and technology firms such as Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Huawei.
He also acknowledged the contributions of local financial institutions, including Access Bank, GTBank, and Zenith Bank.
Also speaking at the event, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, Christine Harbaugh, described Nigeria’s decision as a “significant milestone” that would position the country as a key player in the global digital economy.
“By joining the CBPR Forum, Nigeria is sending a clear message to the world: it is open for digital business,” she said.
Harbaugh stated that the CBPR membership would improve investor confidence and help protect personal data belonging to both US and Nigerian citizens.
“This decision will not only protect cross-border data flows but also build trust with international partners. Nigeria is aligning itself with a global model that prioritises privacy, security, and openness,” she added.
She noted that about 60 per cent of Nigerian startups are incorporated in the United States, adding that the facilitation of trusted data transfers would strengthen trade ties and open new commercial opportunities for Nigerian businesses.
The CBPR Forum, established under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, aims to promote interoperability and reduce regulatory fragmentation in cross-border data flows.
It brings together countries committed to common standards of data privacy and accountability.
Punch
