Nigeria Takes Bold Step Toward Digital Literacy with Translated Data Protection Act
The initiative aims to ensure that citizens across linguistic and regional lines can understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, while fostering a stronger culture of privacy and digital inclusion nationwide.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), in partnership with Meta Inc., has translated the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) into Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba, marking a major step toward making data protection knowledge accessible to all Nigerians. The initiative aims to ensure that citizens across linguistic and regional lines can understand their rights and responsibilities under the law, while fostering a stronger culture of privacy and digital inclusion nationwide.
At the unveiling of the Yoruba version of the Act in Ikeja, Lagos, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed appreciation to the Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Akeem Olalekan Dauda, for supporting the Commission’s community outreach efforts. He also commended Meta for its partnership and contribution toward making the NDP Act more inclusive and comprehensible to everyday Nigerians.
Dr. Olatunji highlighted that the translation project reflects NDPC’s commitment to promoting inclusivity and public awareness, empowering individuals to better understand how their personal information is collected, used, and protected. He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes digital empowerment, innovation, and opportunities for Nigeria’s youth within the growing data protection ecosystem.
The unveiling ceremony was led by His Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara Kingdom (Epe Division), and featured participation from key community stakeholders, including local government officials, youth representatives, religious and traditional leaders, corps members, healthcare workers, and market women. Their presence reflected strong grassroots support and collective recognition of the importance of protecting personal data in the digital age.
Also in attendance were other royal dignitaries, including the Olu of Iwaya-Yaba Kingdom, Oba Suleiman Owolabi Ogun-Oloko, and the Olofin of Isheri and Adimula of Awori Kingdoms, Oba (Engr.) Sulaimon Adekunle Bamgbade, who praised the NDPC for making the law accessible in local languages and for deepening citizens’ understanding of privacy rights.
The translation of the NDP Act into Nigeria’s three major indigenous languages represents a landmark achievement in promoting digital literacy, inclusivity, and trust in the nation’s data protection framework, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the country’s digital transformation journey.
