Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has issued a warning that it may have to cease operations in Nigeria if ongoing disputes with regulatory authorities are not resolved.
Gatekeepers News reports that the company is currently facing fines totaling nearly $300 million from three different Nigerian agencies, amid escalating tensions regarding the country’s stringent data protection laws.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has imposed a substantial fine of $220 million on Meta. Additionally, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has levied a penalty of ₦60 billion, equivalent to approximately $37.5 million. The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) also added a fine of $32.8 million, bringing the cumulative total to around $290.3 million.
Central to this dispute are Nigeria’s restrictions on data transfer. The NDPC mandates that Meta obtain prior approval before transferring any user data outside the country. In its legal filings, Meta has characterized these requirements as impractical and argues that the interpretation of Nigeria’s data laws is incorrect.
Furthermore, the NDPC has directed Meta to incorporate a prominent link on its platforms that guides Nigerian users to educational materials concerning the risks associated with data manipulation. This content is to be developed in collaboration with respected NGOs and academic institutions.
Meta has expressed concerns that these regulatory measures could severely impact its ability to operate in Nigeria. In legal documents, the company indicated that it might need to suspend its Facebook and Instagram services in the country to avoid enforcement actions related to non-compliance.
This situation represents the latest confrontation between Meta and Nigerian regulators. Previously, in 2024, WhatsApp faced a similar predicament, resulting in a $220 million fine that was upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which also imposed an additional investigative cost of $35,000. Meta is currently appealing various rulings in three federal courts.
The ongoing challenges illustrate the increasing friction between global tech companies and African governments concerning data governance, privacy, and platform regulation, as nations seek to assert greater control over digital environments and ensure adherence to local laws.
