The Federal Government has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act, citing violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful transfer of personal data across borders. The sanction was announced by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) following an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024.
According to Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, the probe revealed multiple infractions, including the unauthorised processing of personal data belonging not only to Multichoice subscribers but also to individuals who were not customers. “The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” Bamigboye stated, describing the breach as a grave violation of the constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
The commission also found that Multichoice had been transferring Nigerians’ personal data abroad without adhering to legal protocols. Despite being directed to implement remedial actions, the company’s response was deemed inadequate, prompting the NDPC to enforce the penalty.
National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a broader investigation into all Multichoice data collection outlets across the country. He warned that any outlet found processing data in violation of the law would be penalised accordingly.
The NDPC reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to defending its data sovereignty and emphasized that such infractions have serious implications for national security, economic development, and the rule of law.
This latest regulatory action adds to the mounting scrutiny faced by Multichoice. In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) directed the pay-TV operator to suspend a planned price hike. However, Multichoice proceeded with the increase on March 1, 2025, defying the order.
As a result, the FCCPC filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its CEO, John Ugbe, for obstructing an investigation, ignoring regulatory directives, and violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act of 2018. The charges include willful obstruction, impeding a lawful investigation, and providing misleading information to regulators.
