News Highlights:
- NDPC Fines MultiChoice ₦766 Million for Data Breach
- MultiChoice Faces Escalating Regulatory Actions
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has fined MultiChoice Nigeria the sum of ₦766,242,500 for breaching provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, including violations of privacy rights and the unauthorized cross-border transfer of citizens’ personal data.
Digital TimesNG reports that the sanction, announced in a statement on Sunday by the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, followed a comprehensive investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations emerged about the pay-TV company’s data handling practices.
“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,” the data regulator said.
According to the NDPC findings, MultiChoice was involved in the unauthorized processing of personal data belonging not only to its subscribers but also to individuals who were not customers. The investigation also uncovered the unlawful transfer of Nigerians’ personal data to foreign entities without adhering to due process.
As part of its enforcement protocols, the NDPC directed MultiChoice to adopt specific remedial measures. However, the company’s response was found to be inadequate.
“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed MultiChoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye stated.
The NDPC further disclosed that its National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a broader investigation covering all MultiChoice data collection points across the country.
“Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to a penalty under the Act,” he warned.
Emphasizing the wider national implications, the commission maintained that Nigeria reserves the right to protect its data sovereignty in accordance with both domestic and international laws, and warned that such breaches could undermine the rule of law, compromise national security, and impact economic development.
Mounting Regulatory Pressure
This latest sanction adds to the growing regulatory scrutiny facing MultiChoice Nigeria. Earlier in February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered the company to suspend proposed price hikes pending the conclusion of an ongoing investigation.
However, MultiChoice proceeded with the price increase on March 1, 2025, prompting the FCCPC to accuse it of deliberately flouting regulatory directives.
Consequently, the commission filed criminal charges against MultiChoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, citing multiple violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
The charges include wilful obstruction, impeding a lawful investigation, and providing misleading information to the authorities.
As the enforcement landscape tightens, both the NDPC and FCCPC appear resolute in holding corporate entities accountable for breaches of public trust and statutory obligations.