The National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has imposed a ₦555.8 million fine on Fidelity Bank for violations of its customers’ data privacy. Announcing the decision during a Validation Workshop in Abuja, the NDPC’s National Commissioner, Vincent Olatunji, stated that the bank breached the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), 2023, and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), 2019.
The fine, representing 0.1% of Fidelity Bank’s 2023 annual gross revenue, is the largest penalty ever issued by the commission. Olatunji cited the bank’s lack of cooperation and arrogant behavior during the investigation as aggravating factors that led to the heavy penalty.
Olatunji emphasized that while the commission prioritizes raising awareness about data protection, non-compliance will result in strict penalties, which can range from ₦10 million to up to 2% of an organization’s gross earnings. Fidelity Bank now has 14 days to settle the fine. Further details are expected.
