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

The regulatory body cited multiple breaches, including the unlawful transfer of citizens’ personal data across borders and the infringement of subscribers’ privacy rights.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, confirmed the fine followed a formal investigation launched in Q2 2024 after complaints emerged over the pay-TV company’s intrusive data processing practices.

“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 said.

The commission revealed that Multichoice not only processed personal data without authorisation but also mishandled the data of non-customers.

The company was found to have transferred Nigerian users’ data overseas without observing proper legal channels.

Despite being directed to implement remedial measures, Multichoice’s response was described as “unsatisfactory.” Consequently, the NDPC moved forward with the hefty penalty, citing the company’s lack of cooperation.

“For want of cooperation, the commission has directed Multichoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye stated.

National Commissioner of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has ordered a nationwide audit of all Multichoice data collection points, warning that any outlet found in violation of the law would face sanctions.

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The NDPC emphasized that Nigeria reserves the right to protect its data sovereignty in line with local and international legal frameworks, stressing that violations such as these pose risks to national security, economic stability, and the rule of law.

This is the latest in a series of regulatory challenges for Multichoice Nigeria. In February 2025, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) instructed the company to halt planned subscription price hikes pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

However, Multichoice proceeded with the increase on March 1, in what the FCCPC described as a blatant disregard for regulatory authority.

Following this, the FCCPC filed criminal charges against Multichoice Nigeria Limited and its Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe.

The charges include obstruction of justice, defiance of regulatory orders, and the provision of misleading information, all in violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.

With growing scrutiny from multiple government agencies, Multichoice Nigeria is facing significant legal and reputational pressures in one of its largest markets.