FG Slams Multichoice with ₦766m Fine Over Data Privacy Breach

• According to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the company unlawfully processed and transferred personal data, including that of non-customers, without proper authorization.

The Federal Government has fined Multichoice Nigeria ₦766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act. According to the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), the company unlawfully processed and transferred personal data, including that of non-customers, without proper authorization.

The NDPC said the breach was intrusive and a serious violation of Nigerians’ right to privacy under Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution. Despite being directed to make corrections, Multichoice’s response was found inadequate, prompting the hefty sanction.

A wider investigation into all Multichoice data collection points has now been ordered. The commission also warned that data violations pose serious risks to national security and legal stability.

This comes after an earlier clash in February 2025, when the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) ordered Multichoice to suspend a price hike. The company ignored the directive and went ahead with the increase in March, leading to criminal charges against CEO John Ugbe and the company for defying regulatory orders.