The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has slammed a fine of N766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act. The sanction follows a detailed investigation which found the pay-TV company guilty of mishandling subscribers’ personal data and unlawfully transferring Nigerians’ data across borders.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at NDPC, the investigation began in the second quarter of 2024 after multiple complaints. “The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” Bamigboye said, describing the actions as a direct violation of citizens’ right to privacy under Section 37 of Nigeria’s Constitution.
The NDPC revealed that Multichoice was not only processing data without consent but was also collecting personal information from individuals who were not even subscribers. It further found that the company had transferred user data outside Nigeria without following proper legal protocols. When asked to implement corrective measures, Multichoice’s response was deemed inadequate, prompting the heavy fine.
In addition to the penalty, the commission has launched a broader investigation into Multichoice’s data operations nationwide. NDPC Commissioner Dr. Vincent Olatunji warned that any outlet found to be processing data unlawfully would face similar sanctions, reinforcing Nigeria’s stance on protecting data sovereignty and national security.
This latest penalty adds to Multichoice’s growing regulatory troubles. Earlier this year, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused the company of ignoring an order to halt subscription price hikes and has since filed criminal charges against the company and its CEO, John Ugbe. The charges include obstructing investigations, disobeying regulatory orders, and providing false information.