The Federal Government has fined Multichoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act, including breaching subscribers’ privacy and unlawfully transferring personal data outside the country.
The sanction, announced by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), followed a probe launched in early 2024 after reports emerged of intrusive data handling by the pay-TV company.
In a statement, NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Babatunde Bamigboye, described Multichoice’s actions as “intrusive, unfair, and disproportionate,” noting that such practices violate the right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution.
The investigation uncovered multiple breaches, including unauthorized processing of data belonging to both customers and non-customers, and illegal cross-border data transfers without legal safeguards.
Despite being asked to take corrective steps, Multichoice’s response was found unsatisfactory, prompting the hefty fine. The NDPC also ordered a nationwide audit of all Multichoice data collection points, warning of further sanctions for non-compliance.
This development adds to the company’s growing regulatory woes. Earlier in February, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) directed Multichoice to suspend a planned subscription price increase, but the company defied the order and raised prices on March 1.
The FCCPC has since filed criminal charges against Multichoice and its CEO, John Ugbe, accusing them of obstructing investigations and violating multiple sections of the Consumer Protection Act.
