Abstract
The Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 was enacted to strengthen personal data protection and digital privacy in Nigeria. However, empirical evidence on social media users' awareness of the Act and their perceptions of its effectiveness remains limited, particularly in North Central Nigeria. This study examined users' awareness of the NDPA and their perceptions of its effectiveness in safeguarding privacy on social media platforms. A survey research design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 200 purposively selected social media users across Abuja (FCT), Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, and Plateau States. A total of 186 questionnaires were retrieved, representing a 93% response rate, and analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that although 62% of respondents were aware of digital privacy concerns, only 41% were familiar with the NDPA. While 74% believed that social media platforms collect excessive personal information, only 48% perceived that the Act had moderately improved users' privacy protection. Weak enforcement, low public awareness, organisational non-compliance, and technological limitations were identified as major implementation challenges. The study recommends stronger regulatory enforcement, increased public awareness, enhanced digital literacy, and improved organisational compliance to strengthen data protection in Nigeria.
Keywords: NDPA, Data Protection, Social
Media, Privacy, Digital Governance, North Central Nigeria
DOI: 10.36349/sojolics.2026.v02i01.050
author/Yusuf, I. S., Yakubu, S. M., & Aminu, J.
journal/Sokoto JOLICS 2(1) | June 2026 |
