Why Nigerian businesses struggle to find data privacy experts

The data privacy and information security landscape in Nigeria is shifting rapidly. Regulatory scrutiny is increasing, businesses are under pressure to comply, and the cost of non-compliance is rising. Yet, there remains a significant gap between what companies need and the talent available to meet those needs. This isn’t a future problem — it’s happening right now. Nigerian businesses are struggling to find professionals who can execute data privacy and security strategies at the level required to keep them compliant and competitive.

Having built privacy programmes for some of Nigeria’s most elite companies, I’ve seen this challenge up close. The knowledge gap in privacy operations is wider than most people realise. Many organisations have compliance requirements they struggle to translate into action because they lack the right expertise internally. They are desperate for professionals who understand not just the legal framework but also how to implement policies, drive privacy culture, and integrate data protection into business processes effectively.

On the other hand, I often hear people say there are no jobs in data privacy or information security. That’s simply not true. The jobs exist — companies are actively searching for people who can help them secure their data, protect customer information, and avoid regulatory pitfalls. The real problem is that the majority of candidates lack the necessary skills. Many have certifications but no practical experience. Others understand the regulations in theory but don’t know how to apply them in the real world. This creates a paradox: businesses are looking for qualified professionals, but most professionals aren’t properly equipped to take on these roles.

This disconnect means businesses continue to struggle, while talented professionals miss out on opportunities that could transform their careers. The good news? This gap is entirely bridgeable — with the right training and mentorship. That’s why I am offering specialised training this April for those who want to become Data Protection Officers (DPOs), Privacy Analysts, or specialists in information security. This isn’t a generic course. It’s designed for people who want to step into high-value roles in privacy and security — roles that businesses in Nigeria are actively looking to fill.

What makes this training different? First, it is built on real-world experience. The insights you’ll gain are not theoretical; they come from working inside top-tier organisations, designing privacy programmes from scratch, and seeing first-hand what works and what doesn’t. This is the kind of knowledge that no textbook or certification alone can provide. Nigerian businesses don’t just need employees with qualifications — they need experts who can execute.

Second, the training is structured to help you move beyond just ‘knowing’ to ‘executing.’ Many professionals in privacy and security struggle with bridging the gap between regulatory requirements and business reality. This course is designed to eliminate that gap by giving you the skills to implement privacy programmes, conduct risk assessments, handle data breaches, and advise leadership teams with confidence. Businesses don’t just want compliance officers — they want strategic thinkers who can align privacy with corporate objectives.

Third, it positions you exactly where businesses need you to be. Nigerian companies are not just looking for people who can recite GDPR or NDPR provisions. They need professionals who can align privacy with business goals, manage data risk effectively, and create strategies that make compliance seamless rather than burdensome. If you can do that, you become indispensable. Privacy is no longer just about legal compliance — it’s about business resilience, customer trust, and strategic advantage.

There’s no question that data privacy and security will continue to grow as a critical business function. Companies that fail to invest in compliance will face penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust. The professionals who step up to fill this gap will command respect, influence, and financial rewards. The only question is — who will take those roles?

If you want to be among the professionals that companies are actively seeking, now is the time to take action. My training in April is for those who are serious about stepping into this field with confidence, armed with the skills that Nigerian businesses need. If you’re looking for a shortcut, this isn’t it. But if you’re ready to build real expertise and position yourself for success, then this is for you.

The reality is simple — companies need trained privacy and security experts now more than ever. They’re actively hiring, but they can’t afford to take on people who don’t know how to execute. This is an opportunity to be ahead of the curve, to position yourself as a sought-after expert in a field that will only become more critical in the years to come.

Data privacy is no longer an optional function — it’s a business necessity. And those who master it today will be the industry leaders of tomorrow. The opportunities are there. The demand is real. The only question left is — are you ready to meet it?

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