The Constitutionality of Fine Imposition Under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 and its Implications
Keywords:
Constitutionality, Nigeria, Data Protection ActAbstract
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 is a groundbreaking step in knowledge about Nigerian digital governance as it creates a legal regime for data protection and introduces penalties for those entities that fail to conform to the Act. Considering the constitutionality of fine imposition under the Act, this paper attempts to establish whether the imposition of a fine is in conformity with the constitutionally prescribed provisions of the rule of separation of powers, the right to a fair hearing, and the principle of proportionality. To what extent these provisions affect the individual and the corporate organisations forms another discussion of the paper. In respect of individuals, the Act promotes legal consciousness, alertness, and responsibility in data protection regimes. From a corporate standpoint, compliance is emphasised, apart from raising substantial financial, operational, and reputational consequences for noncompliance. Finally, this research recommends that legal modifications ensue to keep the judiciary involved in the imposition of fines.
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