AUDIENCE KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES OF THE 2023 NIGERIAN DATA PROTECTION ACT

Abstract

This study explores public awareness, attitudes and practices of the 2023 Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA). With the increasing importance of data privacy in the digital age, the NDPA was introduced to safeguard the personal data of Nigerian citizens. However, the effectiveness of the law depends largely on public understanding and compliance. This paper grounded on Agenda setting and Knowledge gap theory, aims to assess the level of awareness and perceptions surrounding the NDPA among students. A survey was conducted amongst undergraduates and postgraduates from Covenant University, Ogun state. Based on the 400 surveyed respondents, 27.5% have witnessed NDPA-related content through this information platform, with the remaining primarily found on social media (75.7%). Prior to the survey, only about a third (33.2%) were aware of the Act. Respondents generally lacked confidence in the effectiveness of the Act, with 41.6% not sure that it could adequately protect personal data. The results underscore the need for targeted awareness campaigns and clearer communication strategies to enhance public engagement with the NDPA. This paper provides critical insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and businesses aiming to improve compliance and protect personal data in Nigeria.