NDPC projects N13.8bn data protection revenue in 2025

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has projected a revenue of N13.8 billion from the data protection ecosystem in 2025, up from the N12 billion generated in 2024.Dr Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, shared this forecast during an interview with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, noting a 15 per cent increase from the previous year.

Olatunji explained that the growth in revenue would largely come from the increasing number of registered Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs). These entities are licensed to help businesses understand and comply with data protection laws, ensuring that data controllers and processors meet the required privacy standards.“The projection is based on the number of DPCOs we’ve registered,” Olatunji said.



“These businesses, set up by licensed professionals, provide services such as privacy audits and compliance assistance. A typical data processor or controller can employ between five and ten people depending on their client base.”He added that some DPCOs generate substantial revenue, collecting as much as N10 million to N20 million for audit services from multinational companies.

When factoring in the earnings of these companies and their staff, the projected revenue figure was derived.Olatunji acknowledged that while the projected N13.8 billion revenue may not double the previous year’s figure, it represents a significant 15 per cent increase.

He stressed that the NDPC’s goal is to foster a culture of compliance across the country, contributing to Nigeria’s digital economy.“We aim to make compliance a standard practice,” he said. “This will not only generate revenue for the government but also give confidence to businesses and individuals engaging with your services.

”The commissioner also noted that last year the commission registered about 256 DPCOs, and within just a few months of 2025, an additional 55 DPCOs had been added to the list.Despite the positive outlook, Olatunji revealed that limited funding has hindered the NDPC from fully achieving its goals. He recognised that while significant progress has been made, especially in building the data protection ecosystem, much work remains to be done.

Olatunji expressed confidence that Nigeria would continue to be a leader in data protection within Africa, but he expects further improvement in the coming years.“Our vision is to create an economy with a strong compliance culture, an ecosystem that supports revenue generation for the government and contributes significantly to our GDP,” he said.“We want a country where foreign investors can trust our digital economy.

This will attract direct foreign investment, create jobs, and provide wealth-building opportunities for the youth.”He also pointed out that Nigeria’s data protection efforts received a boost with the signing of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in 2023, which replaced the 2019 Data Protection Regulations (NDPR). The NDPA provides the legal framework for the regulation of personal data in Nigeria.

Looking forward, Olatunji is optimistic that the NDPC will continue to drive improvements in data protection, fostering trust and creating a more secure environment for both businesses and consumers.The post NDPC projects N13.8bn data protection revenue in 2025 appeared first on Nigerian NewsDirect.

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