NDPC fines Multichoice Nigeria ₦766 Million for egregious data protection violations

In a significant enforcement action underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to data sovereignty, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a “staggering ₦766,242,500” fine on Multichoice Nigeria for various violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This landmark penalty reaffirms the NDPC’s resolve to safeguard digital rights across the nation.

Investigations conducted by the NDPC revealed several critical breaches by Multichoice Nigeria. These include “Illegal cross-border transfer of Nigerian subscribers’ data”, “Intrusive and disproportionate data processing of both subscribers and their non-subscriber friends”, and a direct “Breach of privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution”.

The NDPC found Multichoice’s responses and “remedial actions unsatisfactory” even “after several non-compliance signals”.

Following these findings, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the NDPC, not only issued the substantial fine but also “directed that all Multichoice data collection outlets be reviewed for compliance”.

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This decisive action serves as a “Key Takeaway” for all organizations operating within Nigeria: it “reaffirms the seriousness of Nigeria’s data sovereignty and the NDPC’s role in safeguarding digital rights under the NDP Act”.

The Commission’s message is clear: “Every organization collecting personal data in Nigeria must ensure lawful, fair, and transparent processing, or face stiff penalties”.

The NDPC is advocating for a strengthened “culture of data protection across sectors”, emphasizing that “It’s not just about compliance; it’s about trust, responsibility, and national security”.