Nigeria Data Protection Commission engages TikTok

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has opened discussions with TikTok on potential collaboration to enhance data protection, regulatory compliance and digital safety across the country. The talks took place during a courtesy visit by a TikTok delegation led by Emir Gelen, the platform’s Lead for Government Relations and Public Policy for the Middle East, Turkey, Africa, Pakistan and South Asia.

Mr. Gelen said the purpose of the visit was to explore opportunities for partnership in support of Nigeria’s growing data governance framework. TikTok expressed interest in working with the NDPC on several initiatives, including privacy clubs, national awareness campaigns and programmes focused on digital privacy in emerging technologies. The platform also offered to use its wide reach to amplify the Commission’s mandate and promote responsible data practices.

National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji in his remark also acknowledged TikTok’s large user base in Nigeria and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to full enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act. He said the Commission remained ready to guide digital platforms and organisations toward sustained compliance while encouraging greater accountability in data handling.

Mr. Olatunji noted that one of the major challenges in Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem is public misunderstanding of the difference between privacy and data protection. He emphasised that closing these knowledge gaps requires strategic partnerships, consistent education and targeted communication efforts. TikTok’s interest in supporting nationwide awareness campaigns, he said, could help broaden public understanding and strengthen responsible data-use culture.