The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has officially announced an extension for the filing of the 2025 Data Protection Compliance Audit Returns (CAR). Originally due on March 31, the new deadline is now May 30, 2026. For Data Processors and Controllers of Major Importance (DPCMIs), this 60-day window is a critical opportunity to align with the General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) 2025 and avoid steep financial penalties.
The Cost of Non-Compliance
Missing the May 30 deadline is not just a regulatory oversight—it’s a financial risk.
Late Filing Penalty: Organizations will be subject to a 50% surcharge on the applicable filing fee.
Enforcement Action: Beyond fines, late filers face increased regulatory scrutiny and potential enforcement actions by the NDPC.
Strategic Steps to Take Before May 30
Organizations should use this additional time to conduct a “health check” on their data practices:
Comprehensive Data Mapping: Document exactly what personal data you collect, where it is stored (on-premise or cloud), and who has access to it.
Policy Alignment: Ensure your internal privacy policies aren’t just templates. They must reflect your actual processing activities and meet the transparency standards set by the NDPA 2023.
Remediate Previous Gaps: If your 2024 audit highlighted weaknesses, the NDPC expects to see those issues resolved in this year’s filing.
Partner with a DPCO: Under the GAID, most DPCMIs must file their returns through a licensed Data Protection Compliance Organisation (DPCO). A DPCO provides the independent verification the Commission requires.
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