The Rise of Digital Rights in Nigeria
As Nigerians increasingly engage with the digital economy, tech experts and other stakeholders have emphasized the need for a strong protection framework to ensure accountability and safeguard citizens’ digital rights. This call to action was made during the launch of The Legal Basis Project on Monday, October 13, 2025, in Abuja. The event highlighted the importance of protecting fundamental rights related to data processing and promoting secure and private data practices.
The Legal Basis Project is an innovative initiative developed by Tech Hive Advisory, supported by Meta. It aims to provide clarity on the legal basis for data processing, fostering compliance and accountability across various sectors. The launch brought together policymakers, legal experts, tech players, media representatives, and sectoral regulators, including the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Other participants included representatives from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and various civil society groups, law firms, media outlets, academia, and think tanks.
During the event, stakeholders explored the dynamics of lawful basis for data collection and usage, focusing on key areas such as consent, contract performance, legal obligations, protection of interests, and public interest. Mr. Solomon Musa Odole, Project Coordinator of the Nigeria Identification for Development (IDAD) Project, praised Tech Hive Advisory for this visionary initiative. He explained that the project seeks to enhance understanding of the legal basis for data processing through accessible resources like articles, visualizations, and games available at legalbasis.ng.
Odole noted that the project represents a strategic intervention in Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem. He emphasized that data, often likened to oil, derives its value from trust. Trust that information will be used lawfully, fairly, and for legitimate purposes. This trust depends on understanding and applying the correct legal basis for data processing.
He further pointed out that while the concept of legal grounds for data processing is essential, there is often confusion about which basis applies in specific contexts. For instance, consent may be incorrectly used where public interest should apply, or legitimate interest may be invoked without proper balancing.
The Legal Basis Project was created in response to the growing need for clarity on the legal grounds for processing personal data under the Nigeria Data Protection Act. Over the past few months, the team has collaborated with experts from government, industry, youths, academia, civil society, law firms, the media, and everyday data subjects to develop practical tools and resources.
Ridwan Oloyede, Emerging Technologies and Policy Lead at Tech Hive Advisory Africa, highlighted the importance of clear legal direction for data protection. He stated that the project aims to address knowledge gaps, align understanding with international best practices, and help everyone in the ecosystem understand how the law applies. Oloyede emphasized that the project’s goal is to make information more accessible, meaningful, and actionable, empowering people to make informed decisions.
He also stressed that the project involves creating toolkits and resources that can help organizations and individuals better understand data processing laws. Through simple everyday realities, games, articles, visualizations, decision trees, and tools for writing privacy notices, the project has made significant progress in the data ecosystem.
Toulu Akerele, Global Data Project Officer and ISMS Manager at Paystack Payment Limited, emphasized the need for education on lawful basis. She noted that while regulations are important, efforts should focus on practical mass education so that everyone in the ecosystem instinctively understands the legitimacy of data use.
Kamfon Josephneke, Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, called for the implementation of legislation, policies, and regulations on data privacy and protection. He stressed the need for a multisectoral approach to ensure that everyone in the ecosystem is well-informed about the lawful usage of data.
