The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer privacy and strengthening responsible data governance as Nigeria’s digital economy expands.
The Commission made this known while joining stakeholders across the world to commemorate National Privacy Week 2026, a week-long initiative aligned with Global Privacy Day marked annually on January 28.
This year’s event is themed “Privacy in the Era of Emerging Technologies: Trust, Ethics and Innovation,” with the NCC describing it as a transition from routine awareness campaigns to building a sustainable culture of empowerment and accountability in data protection.
Speaking on the Commission’s position, the Head of Public Affairs at the NCC, Nnenna Ukoha, said the focus of the 2026 commemoration is to strengthen the rights of data subjects, improve corporate responsibility and support economic growth through trusted digital systems.
“This year’s focus is to empower the data subject, strengthen corporate accountability, and drive economic growth,” Ukoha stated. “Data protection is not just a regulatory requirement; it is fundamental to fostering trust and innovation in Nigeria’s digital economy.”
The NCC stressed that the telecommunications sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development, particularly with the growing deployment of 5G networks, the rapid adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across industries.
Ukoha noted that the rise of emerging technologies has placed greater responsibility on regulators and telecom operators to ensure consumer interests are protected.
“With emerging technologies reshaping our digital landscape, the NCC bears a heightened responsibility to ensure that consumer interests are protected,” she said, adding that telecom operators must comply strictly with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, especially in the handling of sensitive consumer information such as call records, location data and digital identities.
The Commission also disclosed that it is working closely with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to ensure telecommunications licensees fully understand their obligations under the law, while also ensuring that consumers are better informed about their rights.
As part of its consumer protection efforts, the NCC urged citizens who have concerns about the handling of their personal data to report through its Consumer Portal or contact its toll-free line.
Consumers can lodge complaints through the NCC Consumer Portal at consumer.ncc.gov.ng or call 622.
Commending the NDPC for its leadership in organising National Privacy Week 2026, the NCC reiterated its support for initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital future while safeguarding the privacy and rights of citizens.
“Privacy is the cornerstone of digital trust,” Ukoha said. “By protecting the rights of consumers, we are laying the foundation for sustainable growth in Nigeria’s digital economy.”
