Technology & Innovation Law

Technology & Data Privacy Lawyers in Lagos & Abuja

Our technology lawyers help businesses build, launch and run technology in Nigeria: data protection and privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, blockchain and digital assets, online platforms and the regulation of new products.

Technology law for a fast-changing sector

Nigeria's technology sector is growing fast, and so is its regulation. Technology businesses now answer to several regulators, including the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the Nigerian Communications Commission, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission. The Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 requires organisations to register, file annual audit returns and protect personal data. The Cybercrimes Act, as amended in 2024, requires cyber incidents to be reported within 72 hours. The Investments and Securities Act 2025 brought crypto and other digital assets under SEC supervision, and policy work on artificial intelligence is under way. These rules overlap. An AI product may raise data protection, intellectual property and consumer protection questions at the same time. A crypto platform needs SEC registration, anti-money laundering controls, cybersecurity and data protection. A data breach can lead to NDPC enforcement, cyber incident reporting and claims from the people affected. Our technology lawyers bring these areas together, so that clients get one coherent answer. Beyond our specialist services, we advise on e-commerce and online selling, electronic signatures and records, technology procurement and SaaS agreements, protecting software and data through intellectual property, local content rules in government ICT projects, data centres and cloud services, and telecoms licensing. We act for businesses that collect and use personal data, technology companies building new products, platforms and marketplaces, crypto and Web3 businesses, and individuals whose privacy has been violated, including businesses based abroad that serve people in Nigeria.

Services

Technology & Innovation Law services in Lagos and Abuja

01

Data Protection Compliance (NDPA)

Compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023: gap assessments, policies, contracts, impact assessments, cross-border transfers and training.

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Outsourced Data Protection Officer

An outsourced data protection officer on a monthly retainer: ongoing NDPA compliance, NDPC filings, training and data subject requests.

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Artificial Intelligence Advisory

Legal advice on building and using artificial intelligence in Nigeria: data protection, intellectual property, contracts, governance and liability.

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Blockchain, Crypto & Digital Assets

SEC registration of crypto and digital asset businesses, token offerings, tokenisation, AML compliance, tax and crypto disputes in Nigeria.

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Online Platforms & Content Regulation

Regulation of social media, marketplaces and online platforms in Nigeria: NITDA's code of practice, takedowns, online advertising and harmful content.

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Why clients choose our technology and data privacy lawyers

We make technology regulation practical. Instead of generic policies, we look at how your business actually collects data, builds products and uses technology, and design compliance that fits your systems, your team and your plans for growth. We work alongside product, engineering, security and compliance teams, and carry out regulatory assessments of new products before launch, so legal requirements are built in early rather than bolted on afterwards. For organisations that need ongoing support, we act as an outsourced data protection officer on a monthly retainer. When something goes wrong, whether a data breach, a cyber attack, a regulator's investigation or a privacy violation, we act quickly to contain the problem and protect our client's position. Our Abuja office works directly with the NDPC, NITDA, the SEC and other regulators, and our Lagos office works with the banks, fintechs, technology and crypto businesses based there.

Who we act for

Banks, fintechs, insurers and payment companies Technology, SaaS and e-commerce companies AI developers and businesses adopting artificial intelligence Crypto exchanges, Web3 startups and digital asset businesses Social media platforms, marketplaces, brands and creators Telecoms operators and data centre operators Hospitals, schools and large employers Foreign companies offering goods or services to people in Nigeria Individuals whose privacy or personal data has been violated

Frequently Asked Questions

Technology & Innovation Law: common questions

What does a technology lawyer do in Nigeria?

A technology lawyer advises businesses that build, sell or use technology on the laws that apply to them, including data protection, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, digital assets, online platforms, e-commerce, software contracts and intellectual property, and represents them before regulators such as the NDPC, NITDA and the SEC.

Which agency regulates IT in Nigeria?

NITDA is the primary agency for information technology development and standards, while other regulators, such as the NDPC, NCC, CBN, SEC and FCCPC, regulate specific aspects of the technology sector.

Does the Nigeria Data Protection Act apply to small businesses?

Yes. The NDPA applies to any organisation that processes personal data of individuals in Nigeria, whatever its size. Registration with the NDPC and annual audit returns are required for organisations designated as data controllers and processors of major importance, but every organisation must comply with the Act's principles.

Does the NDPA apply to foreign companies?

Yes, where a foreign company processes personal data of individuals in Nigeria, for example by offering goods or services to people in Nigeria. Transfers of personal data out of Nigeria must also meet the Act's requirements.

What should a business do after a data breach?

Contain the breach, assess the risk to the people affected, and notify the NDPC within 72 hours where the breach is likely to result in a risk to individuals' rights. Where there is a high risk, affected individuals must also be told. Cyber incidents may also need to be reported under the Cybercrimes Act.

Is there a law regulating artificial intelligence in Nigeria?

Not a dedicated AI statute yet. AI is regulated through existing laws, including the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, the Copyright Act 2022, consumer protection law and sector regulation, while policy work on a national AI strategy and legislation continues.

Is crypto legal in Nigeria?

Yes. Digital assets are regulated rather than banned. The Investments and Securities Act 2025 treats virtual and digital assets as securities under SEC supervision, and digital asset businesses need SEC registration.

Are electronic signatures valid in Nigeria?

Yes. Nigerian law recognises electronic signatures and records in many contexts, and the Evidence Act makes provision for their admissibility, subject to certain exceptions and formalities.

Contact

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Contact the firm+234 816 850 4153