The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has announced that the country’s data protection industry generated 23,000 new jobs in 2024, a significant increase from the 10,123 jobs created in 2023.
This data was revealed in the NDPC’s 2024 Annual Data Protection Report, which also highlighted a rise in compliance revenue from N325 million in 2023 to N1.5 billion in 2024. The number of certified Data Protection Officers also grew, reaching 2,888 in 2024, up from 1,955 the previous year.
In terms of overall revenue, the NDPC reported a boost in cumulative earnings, with 2024’s total data protection revenue reaching N12 billion, compared to N6.2 billion in 2023. The number of companies submitting compliance audit reports also increased, from 3,451 in 2023 to 4,691 in 2024.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, expressed pride in Nigeria’s progress in data protection since the establishment of the commission in 2023. He emphasized that the country’s growth in this sector aligns with the federal government’s priorities and the Strategic Roadmap for Data Protection, which is part of the national plan for 2023-2027.
Olatunji explained that the Commission has been active in ensuring accountability among data controllers and processors under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act). He also reassured citizens that their personal data is now being safeguarded, stressing that the rights to data privacy and consent are now vital aspects of the Commission’s work.
At the time the Nigeria Data Protection Bill was signed into law in June 2023, Dr. Olatunji noted that the industry had already contributed N5.5 billion to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with projections suggesting that the sector could generate over 500,000 jobs in the future. He also highlighted the significant career opportunities within data protection, given the increasing volume of data generated globally and the need for legal frameworks to regulate it.
