We are pleased to share more about The Legal Basis Project, an initiative by Tech Hive Advisory with support from Meta that was formally launched in October 2025. Although the event took place earlier in the year, the project continues to grow in relevance and impact as we approach December.

The launch, held on 13 October in Abuja, brought together policymakers, regulators, technology leaders, legal professionals, civil society, media, and academia. Representatives from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigerian Communications Commission, National Identity Management Commission, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission attended, alongside stakeholders from private sector organisations, civil society, and academia.

In his keynote address, Solomon Musa Odole, Project Coordinator at ID4D, described the initiative as a strategic intervention at the heart of lawful data processing. He said, "This project represents not just another addition to Nigeria’s growing data protection ecosystem, but a strategic intervention that goes to the very heart of lawful data processing and accountability." He further observed that "in today’s digital economy, data is often described as the new oil, but unlike oil, data’s value is not extracted from the ground; it is derived from trust, trust that our information will be used lawfully, fairly and for legitimate purposes."

Ridwan Oloyede, Emerging Technologies and Policy Lead and Co-founder at Tech Hive Advisory Africa, emphasised the importance of public empowerment. He explained that the project aims  "to bring information closer to people, make it meaningful and actionable, and empower everyone through knowledge to make better informed decisions." He added that the goal is for "everybody in the ecosystem, regulators, policymakers, businesses, and citizens, to have a stake in responsible data use."

From the private sector, Tolu Akerele, Global Data Project Officer and ISMS Manager at Paystack, highlighted the role of consent in lawful data use. She said, "Consent, when used properly, is a great tool. Companies should ask and seek consent before direct marketing or targeted communication." She cautioned that if a service cannot be used without consent, then consent may not be the appropriate legal basis because that consent might not be freely given.

Kamfon Josephneke, Senior Legislative Aide to the President of the Senate, underlined the need for a multi-sectoral approach to data protection. He called for effective implementation of laws, regulations, and policies to ensure the lawful use of personal data across sectors.

The Legal Basis Project was developed to address a growing need for clarity on how personal data can be lawfully processed under Nigerian law. Many Nigerians provide personal information daily to access services, sign up for opportunities, or engage online, often without fully understanding why it is requested. Simultaneously, many organisations are unsure which legal basis applies to their activities. The project seeks to close this gap by providing accessible tools and explanations that make the law practical and relevant.

The platform, available at legalbasis.ng, includes:

• A clear explanation of the six legal bases for processing personal data, with examples that reflect everyday Nigerian experiences.
• A decision tree that guides organisations in choosing the correct legal basis for their activities.
• A privacy notice builder that helps businesses create privacy notices without legal expertise.
• Short, accessible articles on data protection, privacy rights and organisational obligations under Nigerian law.
• Interactive tools, including games, that translate data protection principles into relatable scenarios for easier learning.

As Nigeria continues to become more digital, with banking, commerce, education, transport, and social interaction increasingly online, understanding digital rights and responsibilities is more important than ever. The Legal Basis Project provides clarity, empowers individuals, and strengthens trust between organisations and the public.

Although the formal launch took place in October, the project is only at the beginning of its journey. Over the coming months, more tools, content, and community initiatives will be introduced to ensure that regulators, businesses and citizens can engage with data protection in a meaningful and practical way.

Whether you build products, run a business, manage data or simply use online services, visit legalbasis.ng to explore the platform. It is free, accessible, and created for everyone.

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