The state of data protection is still a grey area in Nigeria, with loose policies and frameworks that put the privacy of digital users in great danger amid the country’s growing tech adoption. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has now, however, taken a decisive step that’ll send ripples across industries, as it announced it had fined Multichoice Nigeria for violating Nigeria’s data protection laws by sharing user data without consent. The company has been imposed with a hefty fine of ₦766 million.

According to details in a press release signed by Babatunde Bamigboye, the NDPC’s Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, Multichoice has been under investigation since the second quarter of 2024, following alarming reports of privacy breaches affecting its subscribers.

“The investigation, which commenced in the second quarter of 2024, was triggered by a suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians,” Bamigboye’s statement reads in part.

“The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria.”

The NDPC maintains that the breach violates both the Data Protection Act and Section 37 of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to users’ privacy. As such, the sanction was more than justified, especially as the company failed to provide adequate cooperation during the investigation.

“The depth of data processing by Multichoice is patently intrusive, unfair, unnecessary, and disproportionate,” the Commission noted.

In addition to the fine on the company, the NDPC stated that Multichoice must now implement corrective measures across all its customer data touchpoints, including its physical and digital outlets. It also warned that other outlets processing personal data in violation of the Act would continue to face stiff penalties.

For Multichoice, it’s now a phase of reputational and operational pressure. The company had earlier reported a decline of over 1.2 million active subscribers between 2023 and 2024. A sharp 44% revenue decline to $197.74 million in its 2025 financial year ending March has also prompted it to scale back on some of its previously increased subscription tiers for its Nigerian customers as part of efforts to improve retention.