On April 25, 2025, Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection (NCCP) Tribunal upheld a $290 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, for breaching the country’s data protection and consumer rights laws.
The fine was initially imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in July 2024, following a 38-month investigation conducted in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
Findings from the investigation revealed that Meta engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian users. These included the unauthorised sharing of personal data and inadequate mechanisms for obtaining user consent.
Earlier this year, renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), filed a $5 million lawsuit against Meta Platforms Inc. over an alleged privacy violation, further underscoring growing concerns about the company’s data handling practices in the country.
The tribunal’s ruling strengthens the FCCPC’s authority to regulate and hold multinational technology companies accountable under Nigeria’s consumer protection and data privacy framework.
In response to the decision, Meta has indicated plans to appeal, citing concerns over the interpretation of Nigeria’s data protection legislation.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) welcomes the tribunal’s verdict as a vital step toward strengthening digital rights protections in Nigeria. However, we urge Nigerian authorities to ensure that regulatory actions against tech companies are transparent, fair, and follow due process.
Nigeria’s efforts to protect user privacy and regulate digital platforms must be balanced with safeguarding broader digital freedoms, including freedom of expression and access to information.
