The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) is pleased to announce the reopening of registration for organizations interested in becoming Data Protection Compliance Organizations (DPCOs). This move underscores NDPC’s dedication to instilling a culture of accountability and transparency in data processing practices throughout Nigeria.
The registration portal, previously closed in 2023, has undergone enhancements to welcome new DPCO applicants. Through a robust Public-Private Partnership model, NDPC grants licenses to private organizations to oversee, audit, and report on compliance by Data Controllers and Data Processors, as outlined in Section 33 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. This innovative model, unique to Nigeria, has attracted attention from Data Protection Authorities worldwide.
With an estimated 500,000 Data Controllers operating in Nigeria, the demand for DPCOs has reached unprecedented levels. Presently, NDPC has licensed approximately 183 DPCOs, leaving ample space for additional partnerships to be formed.
Beyond mere regulatory compliance, NDPC foresees the registration of new DPCOs as a catalyst for fostering a robust data protection culture in Nigeria. By promoting awareness, conducting audits, ensuring compliance, and advancing capacity-building initiatives, DPCOs play a pivotal role in safeguarding individuals’ privacy rights, cultivating trust and confidence in the digital realm, and upholding legal and ethical standards within the data protection and privacy ecosystem.
Prospective DPCOs are encouraged to initiate the registration process by visiting services.ndpc.gov.ng.
