The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has reportedly failed to disclose critical details surrounding its recent N766 million fine against MultiChoice Nigeria, despite receiving a Freedom of Information (FOI) request from the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
On July 6, NDPC announced that MultiChoice Nigeria, operator of DStv and GOtv, had been sanctioned for multiple violations of data and privacy rights, including unauthorized cross-border transfer of Nigerians’ personal data and intrusive data processing practices.
Seeking further clarity, FIJ submitted a formal FOI request to the Commission on July 9, asking for specifics on the extent of the violations, any remedial instructions issued, and the means through which MultiChoice obtained and processed data from both subscribers and non-subscribers.
NDPC acknowledged receipt of the request the same day, stating it had been forwarded to the relevant department and that a response would follow “soon.” However, more than two weeks later, FIJ says it has received no further communication from the Commission.
Under Nigeria’s FOI Act (2011), public institutions are mandated to respond to information requests within seven working days, excluding Sundays and public holidays. The Act also requires agencies to either provide the information or explain why they are unable to do so. Failure to respond within the legal timeframe is deemed a denial, and violators may face a fine of ₦500,000.
In its initial July 6 announcement, the NDPC stated that MultiChoice had violated the privacy rights of individuals, including people who are not subscribers, and was guilty of “intrusive, unfair, unnecessary and disproportionate” data processing. The Commission also noted the unlawful transfer of personal data outside Nigeria.
However, FIJ now says the Commission has not revealed the full scope of the breach, the number of affected individuals, or the enforcement measures being taken, raising transparency concerns.
FIJ also highlighted that, as of this report, no publicly documented instance exists where the NDPC has fully responded to an FOI request with detailed findings from its investigations, despite its mandate under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to promote accountability and responsible data governance.
The situation has renewed scrutiny on public institutions’ compliance with the FOI Act, with press freedom advocates warning that non-responsiveness weakens transparency, undermines trust, and sets a troubling precedent for digital rights enforcement in Nigeria.
Read Also: NDPC Slams Multichoice Nigeria with ₦766 Million Fine for Data Privacy Breach
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