Abuja: The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a fine of ?766,242,500 on MultiChoice Nigeria for violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). The NDPC, a public institution responsible for processing data in line with its mandate as Nigeria’s data protection authority, took this action after determining that MultiChoice had breached data privacy regulations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the commission’s Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulations, Mr. Babatunde Bamigboye, revealed that the fine was the result of an investigation initiated in the second quarter of 2024. The investigation focused on suspected violations of subscribers’ privacy rights and the illegal cross-border transfer of Nigerians’ personal data.
Bamigboye stated that the NDPC discovered MultiChoice had violated the data privacy rights of its subscribers, as well as individuals connected to them who might not be subscribers. The commission also found evidence of illegal cross-border data transfers involving Nigerian data subjects. The data processing activities by MultiChoice were deemed intrusive and disproportionate, conflicting with the fundamental right to privacy as outlined in section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He emphasized Nigeria’s right to safeguard its citizens and data sovereignty under both international and municipal laws, noting the significant implications for rule of law, national security, and economic growth. During the investigation, the NDPC instructed MultiChoice to implement remedial measures in line with NDPA standards. However, the commission found MultiChoice’s efforts unsatisfactory.
As a result, MultiChoice has been directed to pay the fine of ?766,242,500 for its violations. The NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, also called for an investigation into all channels through which MultiChoice collects personal data from Nigerian citizens, warning that any outlet processing personal data in violation of the NDPA would face penalties under the Act.