The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has organised an awareness seminar for its directors on compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023, as part of efforts to strengthen data accountability and prepare for its annual data protection and compliance audit.
The seminar, held on February 19, 2026, focused on deepening understanding of the obligations imposed by the NDPA 2023, a law regarded as a major milestone in Nigeria’s digital governance framework. The Act sets clear standards for public and private institutions on safeguarding personal data, promoting accountability and strengthening trust in the digital ecosystem.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore, urged staff to cultivate a strong culture of data accountability in order to build and sustain public trust.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to full compliance with the NDPA 2023, describing data protection as both a legal and moral obligation. According to him, the Ministry manages a significant volume of sensitive information in the course of delivering housing solutions and driving urban development nationwide, making responsible data handling imperative.
Belgore noted that the Ministry is custodian of critical records, including data of applicants under the Renewed Hope Housing Programme, staff records, land documentation, contractors’ information and financial records. He warned that even a single lapse in data management could have serious consequences for both the institution and citizens.
“In today’s digital environment, data is not merely an operational asset but a matter of public trust. With the enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 and the increasing digitisation of our processes, data protection is no longer optional,” he said, adding that safeguarding citizens’ information against misuse, unauthorised access and breaches is a collective responsibility.
He stressed that data protection is not the responsibility of the ICT Department alone, but of every officer and director who interacts with information in any form. The seminar, he said, was a timely intervention aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability and compliance culture within the Ministry.
The Permanent Secretary also highlighted ongoing digital initiatives such as the Enterprise Content Management System, the Renewed Hope Housing Portal and the soon-to-be-launched Consolidated Land Registry Management System, noting that these advancements make strict adherence to data protection principles even more critical.
Earlier, the Head of the Ministry’s ICT Department, Dr. Marcus Amionoleme, described data protection as essential to safeguarding the dignity, privacy and trust of Nigerians served by the Ministry. He said the seminar was designed to enhance understanding of the NDPA 2023, emphasise the importance of the annual compliance audit as a transparency tool and equip staff with practical strategies for embedding a sustainable data protection culture across the Ministry’s operations.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to upholding high standards of data governance and maintaining public confidence in its digital and administrative processes.
