Mastercard, NDPC join forces to elevate data privacy in Nigeria

Mastercard has successfully onboarded its Nigerian employees onto the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) Virtual Privacy Academy (VPA), reinforcing its commitment to privacy, data responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

This initiative aligns with Mastercard’s broader goal of embedding responsible data practices across Africa’s digital economy.

The VPA, developed by the NDPC, is a training platform designed to equip professionals with essential knowledge in personal data governance, lawful processing, cybersecurity hygiene, and emerging regulatory obligations.

It translates the principles of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 and the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 into engaging, locally relevant content.

The urgency for such training is underscored by a 64 per cent rise in data breach incidents in Nigeria during the first quarter of 2023 and the NDPC’s investigation of 213 privacy breaches between 2023 and 2024.

Mark Elliott, Division President for Africa at Mastercard, emphasiSed that privacy is a foundational element of digital trust.

He noted that enrolling all Nigerian staff in the VPA embeds privacy awareness into the company’s operations and supports Nigeria’s digital rights agenda.

Derek Ho, Deputy Chief Privacy, AI and Data Responsibility Officer at Mastercard, highlighted the collaboration’s role in equipping professionals to make ethical, informed decisions that protect individuals while enabling innovation.

Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner and Chief Executive officer of the NDPC, expressed pride in the partnership, stating that the VPA offers practical solutions to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem.

He emphasised the importance of empowering professionals with the knowledge and confidence to uphold ethical data practices in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Following the completion of employee training, Mastercard plans to extend VPA access to its vendors and suppliers, in accordance with NDPC guidelines.

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This move builds on Mastercard’s ongoing work with regulators, professionals, MSMEs, and fintechs to foster a secure, inclusive, and trusted digital environment.

As part of its broader ambition, Mastercard is contributing to unlocking Africa’s projected $1.5 trillion digital payments potential by 2030 through strengthening digital trust, enabling innovation, and championing responsible data practices across the continent.