The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has fined Multichoice Nigeria the sum of N766,242,500 (Seven-Hundred-and-Sixty-Six-Million-Two-Hundred-and-Forty-Two-Thousand-Five-Hundred naira) for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act). The investigation which commenced in the second quarter of 2024 was triggered by suspected breach of privacy rights of Multichoice subscribers and illegal cross-border transfer of personal data of Nigerians. NDPC found, among others, that Multichoice violated the data privacy rights of subscribers and their friends who are not necessarily subscribers.
The Commission also found that Multichoice carries out illegal cross-border transfer of personal data relating to data subjects in Nigeria. 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.
Nigeria is entitled to protect her citizens, and data sovereignty under both international and extant municipal laws – as these have far-reaching implication for rule of law, national security and economic growth.
In line with its standard remediation procedure, the Commission directed Multichoice to carry out appropriate remedial measures. However, the Commission found the measures undertaken by Multichoice in this regard unsatisfactory. For want of cooperation, the Commission has directed Multichoice to pay N766,242,500 for violating the Nigeria Data Protection Act.
In view of the foregoing, NDPC National Commissioner, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has directed that all outlets through which Multichoice is collecting personal data of Nigerian citizens should be investigated for non-compliance. Any outlet that processes personal data in violation of the NDP Act is liable to penalty under the Act.

Signed
Babatunde Bamigboye Esq. CDPRP
Head, Legal, Enforcement & Regulations

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art IT Community Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State, as part of ongoing efforts to bridge the digital divide and empower youth and women across the state.

The centre, which was donated to Oladipo Alayande School of Science in Oke-Bola, Ibadan, Oyo State, was named in honour of Mrs. Onikepo Akande, a distinguished daughter of Oyo State, and is aimed at providing digital skills training, particularly for women and young people. It is expected to offer participants a competitive edge in the evolving global tech industry.

Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu CON OON, delivered special remarks at the event, emphasising the centre’s role in achieving one of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s key priority areas which is to accelerate economic diversification through digitisation, industrialisation, innovation, and the creative arts.

She disclosed that the commissioning of the centre is a step forward in the collective mission to empower Nigerians, especially women and youth, with the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

“We are not stopping here. I am pleased to announce that ten more IT Centres will soon be commissioned across various states,” she added.

While noting that other digital economy centres have been fully equipped with computers and ICT materials in 5 other states, she urged members of the community to take full ownership of the centre.

She said, “The success of this centre depends on your active participation and utilisation of available resources.”

The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, who delivered a goodwill message during the event, praised NITDA and RHI for bringing the initiative to the state.

He highlighted the high standards of the facility and pledged the state government’s support to ensure its sustainability and maximum impact on the people of Oyo State.

“Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, that is the road to the future, and I am glad that under the Renewed Hope Initiative, you’ve brought this to Oyo State, and I can give you the assurance that we will take full advantage of it,” he promised.

In his remark, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani stated that the centre will serve as an avenue for youths to acquire globally relevant digital skills, build startups and create solutions that can compete on the global stage.

While giving his welcome remarks earlier, the DG NITDA, KashifuInuwa, described the collaboration with the Renewed Hope Initiative as a strategic intervention to boost Nigeria’s digital talent pool.

He explained that the Ibadan IT Community Centre is equipped with cutting-edge technologies designed to provide a smart and personalised learning experience and lauded Senator Tinubu for her leadership and passion for empowering underrepresented groups.

“Your Excellency’s vision and commitment have been instrumental in actualising this initiative. You are giving Nigerians the tools to unlock their potential in the digital economy,” he said.

Noting that the newly commissioned centre is part of a broader national agenda to enhance digital literacy, reduce unemployment, and foster innovation-driven development across the country, Inuwa disclosed that the agency has worked with the Ministry of Education to develop digital literacy and skills curriculum that will be infused as part of the formal education in schools.

While encouraging the school administrators and community leaders to ensure its accessibility and sustainability, the NITDA DG said, “The centre is open to all, and we want to see a cross-pollination between the school and the community.”

The National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA), has hosted the inaugural meeting of the Startup Consultative Forum, as part of efforts to deepen stakeholder engagement in Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.

According to the agency, the forum was convened under the framework of the Nigeria Startup Act to give startup founders, innovators, and ecosystem enablers a direct role in shaping national policies that promote growth, attract investment, and drive digital innovation.

The Nigeria Startup Act, signed into law in 2022, aims to provide a legal and institutional framework to support the growth of tech-enabled startups and position Nigeria as a leading hub for digital innovation in Africa.

The meeting also focused on the nomination and selection of representatives for the National Council for Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship, also known as the Startup Council, which serves as the highest advisory body for Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

The forum was to promote collaborative dialogue and inclusive policy development that amplifies the voices of the country’s tech and innovation community.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government Agency has called on Nigerians to drive innovation in the country through the Start Up ecosystem.

The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, represented by the Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions, Oladejo Olawumi, made the call while inaugurating the Start Up Act Consultative Forum 2025 at the agency’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

The Director-General who described the Start Up Act as a critical platform for collaboration and information exchange, urged all Nigerians not just to amplify the voices within the ecosystem but also help to translate ideas into tangible policies.

While giving the breakdown of the Start Up Act, a development expert with NITDA hinted that the Start Up Act was enacted to provide an engaging environment for the growth and development of technology, enabling Start Ups in Nigeria by granting them access to incentives and support, as enshrined in the Act.

The inaugural meeting of the Start Up Act Consultative Forum features talks on different aspects of the Act.

By Toffa Momoh, Abuja