Nigeria’s digital economy stands at a critical crossroads as the nation positions itself to become a global digital powerhouse. Government leaders, technology experts and data regulators all point to a central truth that now guides the country’s strategy for economic growth: trust and data protection are not optional components but essential foundations for the next phase of Nigeria’s digital revolution. Recent remarks by the Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, at the Global Privacy Day events in Abuja emphasised this point with urgency and clarity.
Trust as the Cornerstone of Digital Growth
Speaking to journalists and stakeholders at the press conference marking Global Privacy Day 2026, Dr Tijani reaffirmed that Nigeria’s ambition to build a digital economy worth one trillion US dollars cannot be realised without public confidence in how personal data is handled. He explained that digital infrastructure and skills alone are not enough to drive widespread adoption of technology across the country. Citizens must be certain that their information is treated with respect, protected from misuse and used appropriately as Nigeria moves deeper into digital services and platforms.
“Data protection and privacy are the foundation of trust,” the minister said, urging both individuals and organisations to treat these principles as central priorities. For him, trust is not simply a buzzword in policy documents but a living principle that will determine whether ordinary Nigerians embrace digital banking, online health services, e-government platforms and other critical digital tools. Without it, they are likely to remain sceptical and hesitant.
Dr Tijani stressed that the National Data Protection Commission has already played a leading role in shaping awareness, compliance and regulatory frameworks in Nigeria, despite being a relatively new institution. He credited the commission’s efforts with helping to strengthen data protection practices across both public and private sectors, noting that this work will be indispensable to building trust in the broader digital economy.
Digital Inclusion Through Protection
Behind the policy discussions lies a broader economic vision. Nigeria’s leadership has linked digital transformation to job creation, service delivery and national prosperity. The minister pointed out that digital technologies are key enablers of economic growth in an ever-connected world. He described programmes like the Bridge Project, an ambitious national plan to deploy 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic infrastructure across the country, as vital pieces of the digital growth puzzle.
Yet connectivity without safeguards is incomplete. Dr Tijani warned that unless citizens feel confident that their personal data is safe, the full potential of these infrastructure investments may never be unlocked. He highlighted ongoing government efforts to expand digital access, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives such as MilCAP, which aims to connect communities with telecommunications towers. He linked these infrastructure efforts directly with the need for strong data privacy measures.
The minister also remarked on the broader role of digital technology in advancing inclusive growth. For Nigeria’s young, energetic population, digital skills and access to technology are pathways to new opportunities. But these pathways require a secure environment where users feel protected and confident that their online interactions are safe.
Strengthening Institutions and Regulatory Frameworks
The National Data Protection Commission, established under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, has been at the forefront of enforcing data privacy rules and raising awareness about digital rights. The commission’s leadership highlighted efforts to train judges on data protection laws, collaborate with international partners, and work with security agencies to prevent cybercrime and data misuse.
Regulators have also indicated plans to publish lists of institutions that fail to comply with data protection standards, a move aimed at encouraging accountability and adherence to legal requirements. This approach reflects a growing emphasis on transparency and enforcement, not just legislation on paper but real-world compliance.
Experts who took part in discussions during the Global Privacy Day celebration warned that rapid advances in technologies such as artificial intelligence, automation and digital services are outpacing current laws, leaving gaps that could expose citizens to new risks if not addressed promptly. Sectors like healthcare, banking and general digital services are particularly vulnerable if their data-handling practices are not tightened.
A Future Built on Confidence
Nigeria’s bold economic ambitions depend on its ability to leverage digital innovation while ensuring that citizens feel secure and respected in the digital world. Dr Tijani’s remarks underscore a broader recognition by the government that economic growth must be inclusive, ethical and anchored in public confidence. According to the minister, trust cannot be achieved by technology alone. It must be backed by tangible protections, sound policies, and ongoing education for both businesses and users about their rights and responsibilities in the digital space.
For many Nigerians, the promise of transformative digital services is exciting. Yet it also brings new questions about privacy, control of personal information, and the ethical use of data. As Nigeria builds its digital future, these questions are no longer abstract concepts. They are central to how the nation plans, implements and regulates its digital economy.
The minister’s message was clear: Nigeria’s success in the digital era will be measured not just by the number of internet users or tech startups but by how well the nation protects its people’s personal information and builds trust in digital systems. This emphasis on trust and data privacy reflects a growing awareness that technological progress must be rooted in values that protect individual rights.
As the year unfolds and Nigeria continues its digital push, observers will be watching how policy, industry and citizens respond to these calls for a more secure and trusted digital ecosystem. The outcome of this effort will shape not only economic performance but also the everyday digital experiences of millions of Nigerians.
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