The Nigerian government has fined MultiChoice Nigeria a total of ₦766,242,500 for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), following an investigation into how the company handled users’ personal data.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which enforces data privacy laws across the country, disclosed the fine on Sunday through a statement issued by its Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye.
According to Bamigboye, the NDPC began investigating MultiChoice in the second quarter of 2024 after receiving reports of possible violations, including the unauthorised sharing of subscribers’ personal information and the illegal cross-border transfer of data belonging to Nigerian users.
“The commission found that MultiChoice’s handling of personal data was intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” he said, describing the actions as a serious violation of citizens’ right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
MultiChoice was given the opportunity to take corrective steps, but the NDPC found its efforts unsatisfactory.
“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed MultiChoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye added.
Also speaking on the matter, NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, ordered a thorough review of all platforms and channels through which MultiChoice collects Nigerians’ data, warning that any outlet found in breach of the law would face penalties.
The NDPC says it will continue to enforce the law to protect Nigeria’s data sovereignty, ensure national security, and support economic development by promoting trust in digital systems.