NDPC Fines MultiChoice Nigeria ₦766.2m For Data Protection Violations.
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a substantial fine of ₦766.2 million on MultiChoice Nigeria, the country’s leading pay-TV provider, for breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). The announcement, made on Sunday, 6th July 2025, marks a significant step in enforcing data privacy regulations in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The NDPC’s decision follows an investigation that uncovered multiple violations of the NDPA by MultiChoice, particularly concerning the unlawful handling of subscribers’ personal data. According to a statement signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, NDPC’s Head of Legal, the company was found to have infringed on the privacy rights of subscribers and their contacts, compromising sensitive information without proper consent or safeguards. The investigation highlighted lapses in MultiChoice’s data protection practices, which failed to align with the stringent requirements of the NDPA, enacted in 2023 to protect citizens’ personal data.
This fine comes amid heightened scrutiny of data privacy in Nigeria, with the NDPC taking a firm stance against non-compliance. The ₦766.2 million penalty, one of the largest issued by the commission, underscores its commitment to holding organisations accountable for safeguarding consumer data. The NDPC has ordered MultiChoice to comply with corrective measures within 14 days, including implementing robust data protection protocols to prevent future breaches.
The action has been widely praised by consumer rights advocates and privacy groups, who view it as a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework. The NDPC’s National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, emphasised that the fine serves as a deterrent to other companies, reinforcing the importance of compliance with data privacy laws in an era of increasing digital transactions.
MultiChoice Nigeria, which operates popular platforms such as DStv and GOtv, has yet to issue a public response to the fine. The company’s next steps, including potential appeals or compliance measures, will be closely watched as Nigeria continues to bolster its regulatory oversight of the digital economy. This development signals a new era of accountability for corporations handling personal data in the country.
