July 07, (THEWILL) — The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a fine of N766,242,500 on MultiChoice Nigeria for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
In a statement issued by the Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, Babatunde Bamigboye, the sanction followed investigations conducted in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations of unlawful data processing practices by the pay-TV operator.
“The depth of data processing by MultiChoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate. This is a grave affront to the fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Bamigboye stated.
The NDPC accused MultiChoice of processing personal data of both its subscribers and individuals who were not customers, without due authorization. The company was also found to have transferred Nigerians’ data abroad in violation of legal procedures outlined under the Data Protection Act.
According to the Commission, MultiChoice was earlier directed to implement remedial measures as part of standard enforcement procedures, but its response was deemed unsatisfactory. This ultimately led to the imposition of the fine.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed MultiChoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” the statement read.
NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has also ordered a wider investigation into all MultiChoice data collection outlets across the country, warning that any outlet found processing personal data in violation of the Act will face appropriate penalties.
The Commission emphasized Nigeria’s right to defend its data sovereignty under both domestic and international laws, noting that breaches of data privacy have grave implications for national security, the rule of law, and economic development.
This latest sanction adds to the regulatory pressure facing MultiChoice Nigeria. In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered the company to suspend a planned price hike pending the outcome of an investigation.
However, MultiChoice went ahead with the increase on March 1, prompting the FCCPC to file criminal charges against the company and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, for obstructing the investigation and disobeying regulatory orders.
The charges include willful obstruction, impeding an investigation, and providing misleading information to the FCCPC in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018.
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