The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), citing intrusive and unlawful handling of subscribers’ personal data.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, disclosed that the sanction followed an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024. The probe was initiated over suspected breaches of privacy rights involving Multichoice customers and unauthorized cross-border data transfers.
According to Bamigboye, the Commission found that Multichoice not only infringed upon the data privacy rights of its subscribers but also those of individuals indirectly linked to them, who are not direct subscribers.
“The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria. The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” Bamigboye stated.
He emphasized that such practices violate the fundamental right to privacy as guaranteed under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He also noted the implications for national security, economic stability, and Nigeria’s data sovereignty under both local and international laws.
As part of its standard remediation process, the NDPC had instructed Multichoice to implement corrective measures. However, the Commission deemed the company’s response inadequate.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye added.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, has further ordered a comprehensive compliance audit of all platforms through which Multichoice collects personal data from Nigerian citizens. He warned that any outlet found processing data unlawfully will face sanctions in line with the provisions of the NDP Act.
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