THE FOUNDATION OF DATA PROTECTION: EXPLORING NIGERIA'S KEY PRINCIPLES

Abstract

In today's digital landscape, safeguarding personal data has become a pressing concern for individuals, businesses, and the government. This paper explores the fundamental principles of data protection as established by Nigeria's Data Protection Act (NDPA) of 2023. It delves into the core principles of data protection as contained in the NDPA, including lawfulness, fairness and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimization; accuracy; storage limitation; integrity and confidentiality and accountability. With reference to other jurisdictions like Europe, a comprehensive analysis of these principles was made, highlighting their significance in the Nigerian context and their role in ensuring that data controllers and processors operate in compliance with required standards. The NDPA marks a crucial shift in Nigeria's approach to data governance, enhancing the rights of data subjects while fostering accountability in the handling of personal data. This analysis provides insight into how these principles aim to balance privacy protection with the operational needs of organizations, thereby strengthening trust and security in Nigeria's growing digital economy.