There is a law in the European Union (EU) called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that governs how organizations collect, store, and process personal data. Although Nigeria is not a member of the EU. But any Nigerian health and wellness business that handles the data of EU residents is required to comply with GDPR or face hefty fines.
With the growth of the digital health sector in Nigeria, which includes telemedicine, fitness apps, and wellness platforms. GDPR compliance for health and wellness is no longer optional for businesses that are targeting international customers.
In this article, we will explore best practices for GDPR compliance for health and wellness companies in Nigeria.
Read more about Steps to Compliance with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation
Why GDPR Matters for Nigerian Health & Wellness Businesses
A digitally connected health and wellness company generally requires international expansion. Whether you offer virtual consultations, wellness products online, or subscription-based services. You must understand how data protection requirements like the GDPR affect your operations.
1. Global Reach
One of the most essential characteristics of the GDPR is its global reach. There are laws that say you have to follow these rules even if your business is not in the European Union if you collect, store, or process the personal data of EU citizens.
For example, if your company offers online therapy sessions, digital health coaching, or wellness subscription boxes to clients in any EU country, GDPR applies to you. If citizens from the EU use your service, you have to follow GDPR rules. Even if your offices are in the U.S., Africa, or Asia.
Ignorance of this regulation is not a valid excuse and may subject your company to substantial risk.
2. Consumer Trust
In the health and wellness sector, trust holds paramount importance. Clients often disclose highly personal and sensitive information. Ranging from medical history and dietary restrictions to mental health records and lifestyle choices.
Showing that you take data privacy seriously not only helps you stay legally compliant but also positions your brand as trustworthy and responsible.
By being transparent about how you collect, use, and protect client data and by putting the right security measures in place, you show your audience that their privacy is a top priority. This can give your business a competitive edge and increase client loyalty, especially in an age where consumers are becoming increasingly aware of their digital rights.
3. Avoid Penalties
Ignoring GDPR compliance isn’t just a reputational risk—it’s also a serious financial one. The penalties for non-compliance can be severe. Businesses found in violation of the GDPR can be fined up to €20 million or 4% of their total annual global revenue, whichever is higher.
For small and medium-sized businesses, a penalty of this scale could be devastating. Even large enterprises can’t afford to take that chance. And it’s not just about the fines—non-compliance could also lead to lawsuits, loss of customer trust, and long-term damage to your brand’s reputation.
Best Practices for GDPR Compliance for Health and Wellness in Nigeria
Here are the GDPR compliance for health and wellness activities that you can follow below:
1. Understand What Constitutes Personal and Sensitive Data Under GDPR
One of the first steps to achieving GDPR compliance is understanding exactly what kind of data your business handles. The regulation clearly distinguishes between personal data and special category (sensitive) data. Personal data includes any information that can be used to identify an individual, such as names, email addresses, phone numbers, and even IP addresses.
The category (sensitive) data includes extremely private information like medical records, biometric information, and information about mental health. Such data necessitate even more stringent management following GDPR.
To start, conduct a comprehensive data audit to map out what kinds of personal and sensitive data your business collects, how it’s collected, where it’s stored, who has access to it, and how it’s used.
This process not only helps you stay organized but also ensures you can identify and address any compliance gaps early on.
2. Obtain Explicit Consent
Another GDPR compliance for health and wellness is to obtain explicit consent before collecting or processing any personal data. This means using clear, clarified opt-in methods—for instance, checkboxes that users must actively tick themselves (pre-ticked boxes are not allowed).
Consent should never be bundled or forced. Instead, offer granular options that give individuals full control over what they’re agreeing to. For example, a user might choose to receive your wellness newsletter via email but opt out of having their data shared for third-party marketing.
Just as important as gaining consent is giving users the freedom to withdraw it at any time, easily and without hassle. This empowers them to manage their privacy according to their comfort level, reinforcing your brand’s transparency and respect for user rights.
Read more about GDPR Consent Statement: What it is and how to write one.
3. Implement Strong Data Security Measures
To ensure full compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and to maintain the trust of your clients. It is crucial to implement strong data security measures across your business operations. Start by using encryption protocols to protect sensitive information. Both while it’s being transmitted (using SSL/TLS encryption) and while it’s stored (with advanced encryption standards like AES-256).
This helps safeguard health and personal data from unauthorized access or cyber threats. In addition, establish strict access controls so that only authorized personnel. Those who genuinely need it to perform their duties—can view or manage confidential client information. This minimizes the risk of internal data breaches.
Lastly, conduct regular security audits to proactively identify and address any system vulnerabilities. These audits allow you to stay one step ahead of potential threats. Ensuring your digital infrastructure remains secure and your clients’ trust remains intact.
Learn more about the Steps to Compliance with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
4. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) If Required
Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses that handle sensitive personal data—such as health and wellness companies. May be required to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). This role is mandatory if your business processes large-scale health data or if your core operations involve regular and systematic monitoring of individuals. Which include through fitness tracking apps, wearable health devices, or digital wellness platforms.
The DPO is responsible for overseeing your company’s data protection strategy. Ensuring compliance with GDPR, and acting as a point of contact for data subjects and regulatory authorities.
For businesses operating in Nigeria or other non-EU countries, appointing a full-time, in-house DPO may not always be practical, especially for small or medium-sized enterprises. In such cases, it’s perfectly acceptable—and often more efficient—to outsource this responsibility to a qualified compliance expert or consultancy.
This allows your organization to meet GDPR requirements without the overhead of hiring a full-time employee. While still ensuring that data protection standards are maintained at a high level.
5. Create a GDPR-Compliant Privacy Policy
Creating a GDPR-compliant privacy policy is a crucial step for any business that collects and processes personal data, especially if you serve clients within the European Union. Your privacy policy must clearly explain what types of data you collect—such as names, email addresses, health information, or browsing behavior—and the specific reasons for collecting that data.
Transparency is key, so users need to understand how their data supports your services. You must also state how long this data will be retained. Whether it’s for the duration of a subscription, for legal obligations, or until a user requests deletion.
Just as important is outlining users’ rights under the GDPR, including their right to access, correct, or delete their personal information at any time.
Lastly, your privacy policy should provide clear contact information so users can easily reach out with data requests or privacy-related concerns. A well-written, transparent privacy policy not only helps you stay compliant but also builds trust with your audience.
Read more about Why Data Privacy Is Important to Businesses
6. Prepare for Data Breaches
Data breaches are an unfortunate reality for businesses handling sensitive information. But being prepared is crucial for minimizing damage and maintaining trust with your clients. Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses are required to act quickly when a breach occurs.
The 72-hour notification rule mandates that any data breach involving personal data must be reported to the relevant EU supervisory authority within 72 hours of detection. This swift action is vital to ensure that regulators can assess the breach and assist in minimizing potential harm.
Additionally, if the breach poses a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals—such as the exposure of sensitive health information, financial data, or personal identifiers—businesses must notify affected users without delay.
This notification not only helps those impacted take protective measures but also demonstrates transparency and commitment to safeguarding their data. By adhering to these GDPR requirements, your business can foster greater consumer confidence and avoid potential reputational damage that may arise from mishandling a breach.
7. Train Your Team on GDPR
Lastly, ensuring that your business stays compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) isn’t just about implementing the right technology—it’s about building a culture of data protection within your organization.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by training your team regularly on GDPR best practices. By conducting ongoing training sessions. You equip your staff with the knowledge they need to handle personal data with the utmost care and in accordance with legal requirements.
A well-informed team understands not only how to securely store and process sensitive information but also how to respond appropriately to data requests from clients. Employees must know the proper procedures for handling data access requests, ensuring transparency, and addressing any potential data breaches promptly.
This can minimize the risk of mishandling data, which could lead to penalties and loss of trust. Regular training reinforces the importance of GDPR compliance, ensuring that your team remains vigilant in safeguarding your customers’ personal information.
In turn, this can strengthen your business’s reputation and create deeper trust with clients.
Need Expert Guidance on GDPR Compliance?
If you’re running a health or wellness business in Nigeria and need help navigating GDPR. Johan Consults is here to guide you every step of the way. Our experienced team can provide tailored advice and help you implement the right compliance tools to protect your business and your customers.
Get in touch today to schedule a consultation and ensure your business is fully compliant!
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and we’ll be happy to help you!
Conclusion: Staying Compliant in Nigeria’s Growing Health Sector
GDPR compliance may seem complex, but it’s essential for Nigerian health and wellness businesses operating internationally. By implementing strong data protection policies, obtaining clear consent, and ensuring security, you not only avoid fines but also build trust with clients.
Start your compliance journey today—audit your data practices, update your policies, and train your team. The effort will pay off in customer confidence and business growth.
