The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has launched an investigation into the data processing practices of TikTok and Truecaller amid rising concerns over potential privacy violations.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, Chief Executive Officer of the NDPC, made the announcement during a press conference in Abuja, where he also introduced the Nigeria Data Protection Act – General Application and Implementation Directive (NDPC Act – GAID), 2025.
He emphasized that the commission’s primary focus is on how these platforms handle the personal data of Nigerian users, including issues related to consent, data sharing with third parties, and overall compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023. According to Dr. Olatunji, the NDPC is actively assessing TikTok and Truecaller’s data processing activities to ensure they adhere to Nigeria’s data protection laws.
“Our goal is to safeguard the privacy rights of Nigerians and hold organizations accountable for how they collect, store, and use personal data,” he stated.
This investigation follows increasing global scrutiny of tech companies over data privacy, particularly regarding how personal information is processed, stored, and transferred across borders.
The newly issued NDPC Act – GAID, 2025 provides a structured framework for implementing Nigeria’s data protection laws, outlining compliance requirements, enforcement measures, and the obligations of both public and private entities.
Dr. Olatunji stressed that the directive aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy by fostering trust in data governance while ensuring individuals’ privacy rights align with international best practices. He also warned that companies operating in Nigeria must comply with the country’s data protection laws or risk regulatory action, including fines and possible restrictions.
The NDPC has urged the public to report any data privacy violations and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and due process in its investigations. Citizens can now report breaches more easily through designated channels on the commission’s official website.
