FG Slaps N766m Fine on MultiChoice for Privacy Breaches

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has fined Multichoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, citing breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unauthorized cross-border transfer of citizens’ personal data.

In a statement released on Sunday, the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, explained that the sanction followed an investigation initiated in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations emerged concerning the company’s intrusive data processing practices.

“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 country’s data regulator said.

The investigation also found that Multichoice had been transferring Nigerians’ data abroad without adhering to proper procedures.

The commission stated that it instructed the company to implement remedial measures in line with its standard enforcement protocols. However, Multichoice’s response was considered “unsatisfactory,” prompting the decision to impose the fine.

“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye said.

He added that the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has directed a broader investigation into all Multichoice data collection points across the country. “Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to a penalty under the Act,” he said.

The NDPC emphasized that Nigeria has the right to uphold its data sovereignty under both domestic and international laws, noting that such violations impact the rule of law, national security, and economic growth.

This enforcement action adds to the mounting regulatory scrutiny Multichoice Nigeria is currently facing across multiple sectors.

In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered the pay-TV provider to halt proposed price increases pending the outcome of an investigation. However, Multichoice proceeded with the price hike on March 1, 2025—a move the FCCPC described as a deliberate breach of its directive.

As a result, the FCCPC filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, accusing them of obstructing an investigation, defying regulatory directives, and breaching provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018.

The charges include willful obstruction, interference with an investigation, and supplying misleading information to the commission.