The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
The commission cited breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful transfer of Nigerian citizens’ data across international borders.
The sanction follows an investigation initiated in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations emerged concerning Multichoice’s intrusive data processing activities.
According to Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at NDPC, “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 NDPC’s probe revealed multiple violations, including the unauthorized processing of personal data belonging to both subscribers and non-customers.
The commission also found that Multichoice had been transferring Nigerians’ data abroad without adhering to proper legal procedures.
The NDPC had directed Multichoice to implement remedial measures as part of its standard enforcement procedures.
However, the company’s response was deemed “unsatisfactory,” leading to the imposition of the penalty. “For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye stated.
This regulatory action adds to the increasing scrutiny Multichoice Nigeria is facing.
In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had ordered the pay-TV operator to suspend planned price hikes pending an investigation.
Despite this directive, Multichoice proceeded with a price increase on March 1, 2025, which the FCCPC described as a deliberate violation.
Subsequently, the FCCPC filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for obstructing an ongoing investigation, defying regulatory orders, and violating sections of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
The charges include willful obstruction, impeding an investigation, and providing misleading information.
NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a broader investigation into all Multichoice data collection outlets nationwide, warning that “Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to a penalty under the Act.”
The NDPC emphasized Nigeria’s right to defend its data sovereignty under both local and international law, stressing that such violations have implications for the rule of law, national security, and economic development.
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