The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has imposed a fine of ₦766,242,500 on Multichoice Nigeria for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
In a statement released on Sunday by Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, the commission cited serious breaches of subscribers’ privacy rights and the unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data.
The penalty follows an investigation launched in the second quarter of 2024 after allegations emerged about intrusive and non-consensual data processing by the pay-TV operator.
“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,” the NDPC stated.
According to the commission, the probe revealed multiple infractions, including the unauthorized processing of personal data belonging not only to subscribers but also to individuals who were not customers of the company.
The regulatory scrutiny intensified earlier in February 2025 when the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered Multichoice to suspend planned price increases pending the conclusion of an investigation. Despite this, Multichoice implemented the hike on March 1, 2025 — a move the FCCPC described as a deliberate violation of its directive.
Following this defiance, the FCCPC filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe, accusing them of obstructing an investigation, flouting regulatory orders, and violating provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
The charges include willful obstruction, impeding a lawful investigation, and supplying misleading information to authorities.
In its statement, the NDPC also confirmed that Multichoice was transferring Nigerians’ personal data abroad without adhering to the legal safeguards required under the Data Protection Act.
The commission said it had initially directed the company to implement remedial measures, but found Multichoice’s response “unsatisfactory,” prompting the imposition of the fine.
“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye stated.
He further disclosed that the National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a nationwide audit of all Multichoice data collection points. “Any outlet found processing personal data in violation of the Act will face penalties,” he said.
The NDPC emphasized that Nigeria reserves the right to protect its data sovereignty under both national and international law, warning that violations of this nature have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law, national security, and economic development.
This action adds to the mounting regulatory pressure Multichoice Nigeria is currently facing across multiple sectors.
