Author(s) :

Benjamin T. Tough, Emmanuel Shaaperah.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Digitalisation of public institutions has increased cybersecurity and data protection risks at all level. In Nigeria, weak governance structures, unclear roles, and limited staff capacity hinder effective Nigeria Data Protection Regulations (NDPR) compliance. In Benue State, poor policy enforcement and accountability mechanisms threaten data security, privacy, and sustainable digital governance. It is against this backdrop that the study examined cybersecurity governance and data protection compliance in sub-national public institutions, with specific focus on Benue State’s digital transformation agenda with a specific focus on organizational structures, staff capacity, and institutional practices on compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and international data protection standards. A survey research design was adopted, and data were collected from staff of selected ministries, departments, and agencies using structured questionnaires. Institutional theory was adopted as a theoretical framework for the study. The findings showed that organisational structures were found to lack clearly defined roles, reporting systems, and accountability mechanisms necessary for effective data protection. Staff capacity was identified as a critical constraint, as inadequate training and limited resources hinder consistent compliance. However, institutional monitoring and accountability practices showed relatively stronger influence on compliance with international data protection standards. The study concludes that effective digital transformation at the sub-national level requires robust cybersecurity governance, strengthened organisational frameworks, continuous capacity-building, and enforceable compliance mechanisms. It recommends improved policy enforcement, institutional restructuring, targeted staff training, and alignment with national and international data protection standards to ensure sustainable and secure digital governance in Benue State. Keywords: Cybersecurity governance, data protection compliance and digital transformation.

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