MultiChoice Nigeria has been fined N766.24 million by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act. The fine followed a detailed investigation into how the company handled subscribers’ personal data.
The NDPC found that MultiChoice engaged in the unauthorized collection and transfer of personal data, including information from individuals who were not direct subscribers. The Commission stated that these practices violated Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution, which protects the right to privacy.
Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, described the data processing activities as intrusive, unfair, and excessive. He emphasized that such breaches are not only unlawful but also pose risks to national security and economic development.
Although MultiChoice was asked to take corrective steps, the NDPC found the company’s response unsatisfactory and lacking cooperation. As a result, the Commission imposed the N766.24 million penalty and announced further investigations into the company’s data handling practices across all its platforms.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC’s National Commissioner, warned that any entity processing Nigerians’ personal data must comply with legal standards or face strict penalties.
This development marks one of the largest fines issued under Nigeria’s data protection framework and reinforces the government’s commitment to enforcing data privacy laws and protecting citizens’ digital rights.
