Somalia, Nigeria Strike Data Privacy Pact to Boost Digital Security in Africa

GOOBJOOG NEWS | ABUJA: Somalia and Nigeria have signed a landmark agreement to strengthen data protection and digital privacy, marking a significant step in Africa’s growing push to secure personal information in the digital age.

The pact, inked in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, formalizes cooperation between Somalia’s Data Protection Authority (DPA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Officials say the deal will enhance legal and technical frameworks while boosting public awareness around digital rights.

“This is more than an MoU, it is a shared vision for how African nations can rise to the challenge of data security together,” said Mohamed Nur Ali, Director General of Somalia’s DPA, who signed the agreement alongside his Nigerian counterpart, Dr. Vincent Olatunji.

The agreement outlines joint initiatives such as training programs, staff exchanges, and expert-led workshops. These efforts are expected to strengthen institutional capacity in both countries and prepare them to better respond to data breaches and rising cybersecurity threats.

Ali said the partnership reflects an urgent need for African nations to unify their approaches to digital governance. “Strong cross-border collaboration is the key to building resilient data ecosystems. We must work together to shape a secure digital future for all Africans.”

Nigeria and Somalia, both grappling with rapid digital transformation, see this alliance as a model for how regional actors can address common threats while promoting responsible data usage.

The partnership comes amid rising concern over misuse of personal data, as more Africans come online and governments digitize public services. With limited regulatory infrastructure in many countries, experts have warned of growing exposure to cybercrime and data exploitation.

For Somali and Nigerian citizens, both at home and across the diaspora, the move signals a deeper commitment to protecting digital rights and fostering trust in online systems.

The Somali DPA, established in recent years to address mounting privacy concerns, has prioritized international collaboration as it works to build a modern regulatory framework. For Nigeria, whose NDPC has taken a leading role in African data governance, the partnership strengthens its regional ties and reinforces its stance on safeguarding digital identity.

“This is only the beginning,” said Olatunji. “Africa’s digital future depends on cooperation, innovation, and a firm respect for the rights of our people.”