Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). The hefty penalty, announced on Sunday, follows a comprehensive investigation into how the broadcaster handled subscriber data .
Key Findings
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The probe, initiated in Q2 2024, revealed that MultiChoice processed personal data of subscribers and their associates—some of whom were not customers—without due consent.
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The company allegedly transferred personal data of Nigerian users across borders illegally.
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NDPC described the firm’s data handling as “patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” deeming it a violation of Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to privacy.
Commission Response and Inaction
NDPC’s Head of Legal, Babatunde Bamigboye, noted that although MultiChoice was initially directed to remediate, their responses were deemed inadequate—prompting the imposition of the maximum allowable fine.
National Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji has further mandated audits across all platforms used by MultiChoice in Nigeria. Any outlet found violating the NDPA will face additional penalties.
Broader Implications
This action reflects the NDPC’s firm resolve in enforcing data privacy standards nationwide. Since 2024, it has investigated major organizations, including Meta and MTN’s MoMo PSB, and previously fined Fidelity Bank ₦555.8 million for similar breaches.
What Lies Ahead
MultiChoice is yet to issue a public response. Meanwhile, the sanction sends a clear warning: companies operating in Nigeria must respect data sovereignty, corporate accountability, and fundamental citizen rights—or face serious repercussions.
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