The Federal Government has slammed a hefty fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), citing multiple violations of citizens’ privacy rights and the unauthorized transfer of personal data beyond the country’s borders.
In a statement released on Sunday, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations at the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), revealed that the sanction followed an extensive investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024. The inquiry was triggered by public complaints accusing the pay-TV operator of intrusive and unlawful data processing activities.
“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 commission stated.
According to the NDPC, the probe uncovered several breaches, including the unauthorized handling of personal data belonging to both Multichoice subscribers and non-subscribers. It also established that the company had been transferring Nigerian citizens’ data abroad without adhering to the required legal protocols.
The commission mandated Multichoice to implement corrective measures as part of its enforcement procedures. However, it described the company’s response as unsatisfactory, prompting the imposition of the fine.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye confirmed.
In addition, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a broader investigation into Multichoice’s data collection operations nationwide. The agency warned that any outlet found violating the Data Protection Act would face penalties.
The commission reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to defending its data sovereignty under both national and international law, stressing that such breaches pose significant risks to the country’s rule of law, national security, and economic interests.
Mounting Regulatory Pressure on Multichoice
This latest sanction adds to the growing regulatory scrutiny facing Multichoice Nigeria. In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered the company to suspend planned subscription price hikes pending the conclusion of an investigation into its pricing practices.
However, on March 1, 2025, Multichoice proceeded with the increase, an action the FCCPC condemned as a direct violation of its directive. Consequently, the commission filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, accusing them of obstructing an active investigation, defying regulatory orders, and breaching provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
The charges include willful obstruction, impeding a lawful inquiry, and providing misleading information to the commission.
With this latest development, Multichoice now faces mounting legal and regulatory challenges that could shape the future of its operations in Nigeria’s highly competitive media and entertainment market.
