For Nigeria to fully realise its ambition of becoming Africa’s digital powerhouse, privacy must be treated not merely as a legal requirement but as an economic enabler, according to Dr. Tosin Alabi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tozapro, a leading data privacy and cybersecurity consulting firm.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Alabi, a lawyer, data privacy specialist, and cybersecurity scholar — said Nigeria’s digital economy can only achieve sustainable growth if businesses and regulators place trust and governance at the centre of innovation.
“Data drives modern economies. But like crude oil, if mishandled, it can cause serious damage — breaches, fraud, and loss of trust,” he said.
“For Nigeria to fully realise its digital potential, privacy must be treated as an economic enabler, not just a legal checkbox.”
Alabi explained that as sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, and digital health continue to expand, the responsible use of data will determine how far the country goes in attracting global investment and building digital trust.
He argued that privacy is no longer a compliance burden but a strategic business advantage, capable of differentiating Nigerian firms in a competitive global market.
“A trusted data ecosystem will attract investors, inspire innovation, and position Nigeria as a true digital leader in Africa,” Alabi said.
“Investors want to know that their money is going into a safe and stable environment. Strong privacy frameworks signal that an organisation upholds international standards.”
Nigeria took a significant step toward institutionalising data protection with the introduction of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in 2019 and the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
While these moves signalled government commitment, Alabi noted that enforcement remains inconsistent, with many organisations — especially small and medium enterprises — yet to comply fully.
“The NDPR was a milestone that put privacy on the policy map,” he said.
“However, we still have a long way to go. Awareness among SMEs is low, and many organisations still see compliance as a box-ticking exercise.”
He called for sector-specific privacy frameworks and closer collaboration between regulators and the private sector to strengthen implementation and make compliance practical for businesses.
According to Alabi, Nigeria’s fast-growing fintech and digital health sectors — both of which depend heavily on user data — are also the most vulnerable to cyberattacks.
He revealed that Nigeria lost over $500 million to cybercrime in 2022, underscoring the urgent need for stronger governance structures and staff training in data handling.
“Some companies have built strong privacy frameworks, but many remain reactive. They only respond after an incident,” he said.
“True preparedness requires more than firewalls — it demands governance, awareness, and collaboration.”
He added that privacy should be viewed as part of an organisation’s core infrastructure, just as essential as payment systems or hospital equipment.
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) gains ground across industries, Alabi urged Nigerian regulators to balance innovation with data protection by establishing clear ethical guidelines.
“AI is transforming finance, healthcare, and advertising, but it’s also data-hungry,” he explained.
“We must encourage innovation while ensuring transparency, consent, and accountability. If we get this balance right, Nigeria can become a hub for ethical AI development.”
He warned that AI systems used for fraud detection or medical diagnostics must not compromise individual privacy or fairness, saying responsible innovation would enhance both privacy and security in the long run.
Closing the Talent Gap
A major obstacle to Nigeria’s data protection ambitions, Alabi said, is the shortage of skilled professionals in privacy and cybersecurity.
At Tozapro, the firm he founded, Alabi has made youth empowerment a central mission, mentoring and training hundreds of young Nigerians who now hold global privacy and security roles.
“If we don’t invest in our youth, we’ll end up importing talent,” he said.
“At Tozapro, we are not just creating experts; we’re nurturing leaders who will shape policy, drive innovation, and inspire others.”
He called for universities to update their curricula to match global trends and include interdisciplinary training that blends law, technology, and business.
Looking ahead, Alabi projected that within the next five years, Nigeria’s data privacy landscape will evolve from basic awareness to full maturity.
“We’ll see startups adopting privacy-by-design, global firms demanding compliance from Nigerian partners, and a growing pool of skilled professionals,” he said.
“Nigeria can absolutely become Africa’s hub for privacy excellence.”
However, this transformation, he stressed, depends on consistent enforcement, stronger public-private collaboration, and a shared understanding that privacy is not a cost — but an investment in trust.
For Nigerian startups, Alabi’s message is clear: build privacy into your products from day one.
“Don’t collect data just because you can, collect what you need, protect it, and be transparent,” he advised. “In today’s digital economy, trust is your biggest currency. One breach can destroy it overnight, but a reputation for protecting customers can open global doors.”
Dr. Tosin Alabi’s call reflects a growing recognition that data privacy is the foundation of Nigeria’s digital future.
If treated as a pillar of economic policy, not just a regulatory hurdle, privacy could become the key that unlocks innovation, foreign investment, and sustainable growth in the nation’s digital economy.
