Nigeria Unveils Digital Economy Legal Basis Phase 2, Gains Stakeholder Support

Nigeria's digital economy is taking a significant step forward with the unveiling of phase two of the Legal Basis Project (2.0). This initiative, launched at a Regulatory Engagement Session in Abuja, aims to bridge the gap between policy intent and practical compliance, ensuring the fundamental rights of data subjects are safeguarded and data processing prioritizes security.

The project aligns with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act) 2023 and brings together key industry regulators and players. Participants included representatives from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and others. They emphasized the need for a strong protection framework where regulators and processors respect individuals' rights and privacy.

Stakeholders commended the successful completion of phase one and committed to establishing a robust mechanism for personal data protection. This includes ensuring accountability for data processors and regulators, and providing effective protection for data subjects beyond mere consent. The Legal Basis Project, developed by Tech Hive Advisory with support from Meta, seeks to make the six lawful bases under the NDP Act, Consent, Contract Necessity, Legal Obligation, Legitimate Interest, Vital Interest, and Public Interest, understandable and actionable for organizations, regulators, and users.

Dr. Ololade Shyllon, Meta Director for Privacy & Data Policy in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkiye, highlighted the critical role of collaboration with regulators. She lauded the project's landmark impact report within six months of its launch and urged stakeholders to implement recommendations from the first phase's survey.

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Collaboration with regulators was a critical part of the Legal Basis Project, and therefore commend stakeholders for identifying with it, adding that it was time to work towards implementing the recommendations from the survey carried out in the first phase of the project, as she lauded its landmark impact report within six months of its launch.