Nigeria Fines Multichoice ₦766M for Data Privacy Violations

The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a ₦766,242,500 fine on Multichoice Nigeria for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act).

The penalty follows findings of privacy rights violations, including illegal cross-border transfers of Nigerians’ personal data.

The investigation began in the second quarter of 2024, triggered by suspected breaches involving subscribers and even non-subscribers.

In a press release, NDPC said the company’s practices violated “the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.”

The Commission determined that Multichoice engaged in intrusive, unfair, and disproportionate processing of personal data.

“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate,” the press release stated, adding that this undermines the right to privacy enshrined in section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

Highlighting the seriousness of the breach, NDPC noted that Nigeria has a sovereign obligation to protect citizens’ data under both domestic and international law. The agency warned that violations threaten the rule of law, national security, and economic growth.

Although the Commission directed Multichoice to implement remedial measures, it found their actions unsatisfactory. As a result, the fine was imposed. NDPC clarified: “For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.”

In his remarks, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, ordered further investigations into all outlets where Multichoice collects personal data of Nigerians.

“Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act,” the release stated.

Babantunde Bamigboye, NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, reiterated the Commission’s resolve: “Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens, and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws.”

Multichoice has not yet issued a public statement in response to the fine as of the time of this writing.