LEGAL AND INSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGES TO THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NIGERIAN DATA PROTECTION ACT

The importance of data privacy and protection cannot be overemphasized, as Data leak is a major source of identity theft.The constant breach of data privacy in Nigeria raises the question as to how the law has guaranteed privacy and protection of the data subject"s personal information in Nigeria.The widespread breaches of data, both globally as well as domestically on a daily basis are of rising concern, especially in this era of internet of things.The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation 2019 (NDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2023 actualize protection measures for the data and privacy of Nigerians; and this paper examines Nigerian Data Protection Laws in relation to online protection and also suggests ways in which enforcement efforts can be strengthened.Additionally, the research which is done by using the doctrinal method of legal research, finds that some loopholes still persist in spite of the enactment of the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023; and the paper recommends that the general public in Nigeria be made more aware of their right to privacy as well as creation of awareness and orientation on available legal protection.