NDPC Slams Multichoice Nigeria with ₦766.2 Million Fine Over Data Privacy Breach
According to a statement released by the Commission, the investigation—initiated in Q2 2024—was triggered by suspicions that Multichoice had unlawfully transferred personal data of Nigerian subscribers and non-subscribers across borders without appropriate consent or safeguards.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC ) has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violating provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), following an investigation into alleged breaches of privacy rights.
According to a statement released by the Commission, the investigation—initiated in Q2 2024—was triggered by suspicions that Multichoice had unlawfully transferred personal data of Nigerian subscribers and non-subscribers across borders without appropriate consent or safeguards.
The NDPC found that Multichoice engaged in data processing practices deemed “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” describing them as a fundamental violation of Nigerians’ right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
Beyond the financial sanction, the Commission noted that the remedial measures submitted by Multichoice were “unsatisfactory” and failed to demonstrate adequate cooperation with the investigation. As a result, the Commission proceeded with the hefty penalty.
In a further directive, Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of NDPC, ordered a broader review of all outlets and platforms through which Multichoice collects data from Nigerians. The Commission emphasized that any entity found to be processing personal data unlawfully would be liable to penalties under the NDP Act.
This development highlights the NDPC’s ongoing efforts to enforce Nigeria’s data protection laws and safeguard digital rights within the country’s expanding information economy.
