The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a ₦766 million fine on MultiChoice Nigeria, operators of DStv and GOtv, over what it described as “intrusive and disproportionate” breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).
The fine follows a 2023 investigation into the company’s data handling practices, during which MultiChoice was found to have unlawfully processed personal data belonging to both subscribers and non-subscribers.
According to the NDPC, this included the transfer of Nigerian users’ personal data across borders, in violation of the country’s data sovereignty laws.
“The depth of data processing by MultiChoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate. This is a grave affront to fundamental right to privacy as enshrined in section 37 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” said Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at NDPC.
The Commission noted that MultiChoice’s cooperation during the investigation was “largely unresponsive,” and that the company failed to fully comply with data protection directives issued during the probe.
“For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed MultiChoice to pay ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act,” Bamigboye added.
The investigation also revealed that through its subscription processes and linked family accounts, MultiChoice collected data from individuals who were not directly subscribed to the service — a breach of consent-based data collection protocols.
In light of the violations, NDPC has announced it will expand its investigations to all MultiChoice offices and service outlets across Nigeria.
“Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act,” said Dr. Vincent Olatunji, NDPC’s National Commissioner. He further directed that all points where MultiChoice collects data be reviewed for compliance.
Industry analysts have called the ruling a landmark moment for data protection in Nigeria. According to Destiny Young, a cybersecurity professional:
“This enforcement action stands as the largest single fine imposed since the NDP Act was enacted in 2023. It sends a strong signal that Nigeria is serious about protecting the data rights of its citizens.”
As of the time of this report, MultiChoice Nigeria has not released an official statement in response to the ruling.
The NDPC reiterated its commitment to full enforcement of the NDPA, emphasizing that Nigerians’ data privacy is non-negotiable and central to national sovereignty.
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