Over 40 Million Nigerians Spend 6 Hours Daily on Social Media, Says Data Protection Commissioner

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has revealed that more than 40 million Nigerians spend an average of six hours per day on social media. Dr. Olatunji shared this information at the recent signing of a six-month Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the NDPC and social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa in Abuja.

This collaboration aims to promote awareness about data privacy and the risks associated with sharing personal information online.

Data Privacy Awareness and Education

Dr. Olatunji emphasized the importance of data privacy, particularly in today’s digital landscape where millions of Nigerians use social media daily. He noted that with 65% of Nigerian youth actively engaging on social media for personal and business purposes, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are essential channels for reaching citizens with vital information about data protection.

“We have over 65 million Nigerians on social media platforms, and it’s crucial that we use these platforms to educate them on protecting their personal information,” Dr. Olatunji stated.

He highlighted the NDPC’s commitment to educating Nigerians on data protection since the enactment of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) in 2022. Despite significant efforts, he acknowledged the need to expand outreach, especially to those in rural areas who may not be fully aware of their privacy rights.

Partnership with Enioluwa Adeoluwa

The NDPC signed an MoU with social media influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa to help spread awareness about data privacy rights and the delicate nature of information shared online. Enioluwa expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating that his involvement is motivated by a desire to contribute positively to the nation.

“It’s not about financial gain,” Adeoluwa remarked. “We should focus on national development and making Nigeria better. This partnership can truly benefit Nigerians by educating them on the importance of protecting their personal data.”

The impact of the partnership will be evaluated at the end of the six months to measure its success in promoting data privacy awareness.

What You Should Know About Data Privacy in Nigeria

In Nigeria, data privacy is protected under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. This law classifies any information that can directly or indirectly identify a person as personal data, which should be safeguarded from unauthorized access, theft, and data breaches.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, cautioned Nigerians about the risks of oversharing on social media. He stressed that careless sharing of personal information online could make individuals vulnerable to identity theft, cyber scams, and other digital crimes.

“As technology use grows, not everyone understands the importance of managing their data responsibly,” Dr. Tijani explained. He encouraged Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to collaborate with the government in raising awareness and educating the public on data security best practices.