Mastercard Partners with NDPC to Bolster Data Privacy in Nigeria

Written By: Flipbz.org

Mastercard has successfully enrolled its Nigerian workforce in the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA), marking a significant step in reinforcing data privacy and regulatory compliance. This initiative reflects Mastercard’s commitment to fostering trust and ethical data practices within Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy.

The VPA, an NDPC-led training platform, equips professionals with vital skills in personal data governance, lawful data processing, cybersecurity best practices, and compliance with emerging regulations. Drawing from the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025, the program delivers engaging, contextually relevant content for employees across industries. The need for such training is evident: Nigeria saw a 64% spike in data breaches in Q1 2023, with the NDPC investigating 213 privacy violations between 2023 and 2024, highlighting the urgent demand for enhanced privacy education.

Mark Elliott, Mastercard’s Division President for Africa, emphasized the importance of this milestone: “Data privacy is foundational to building trust in the digital age. By integrating the NDPC’s Virtual Privacy Academy into our operations, we’re not only ensuring compliance but also championing Nigeria’s digital rights framework.”

Derek Ho, Mastercard’s Deputy Chief Privacy, AI, and Data Responsibility Officer, added: “This collaboration with the NDPC empowers our team to make ethical, informed decisions. The VPA is a game-changer, offering practical tools to safeguard data while driving innovation.”

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, praised the partnership: “Working with Mastercard strengthens Nigeria’s data protection landscape. The VPA equips professionals to navigate the complexities of today’s digital world, ensuring ethical data practices that benefit both individuals and organizations.”

Mastercard plans to extend VPA access to its vendors and suppliers, aligning with NDPC guidelines and furthering its mission to create a secure and inclusive digital ecosystem. This effort supports Mastercard’s broader goal of unlocking Africa’s $1.5 trillion digital payments market by 2030, driving innovation and trust through responsible data practices.

By prioritizing privacy and collaboration, Mastercard and the NDPC are setting a new standard for data protection in Nigeria, paving the way for a more secure digital future.