Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram , has issued a stark warning that it may be forced to shut down both platforms in Nigeria due to mounting regulatory fines and what it describes as “unrealistic” demands from Nigerian authorities. The escalating dispute centers on data privacy violations and consumer protection concerns, with Meta facing significant financial penalties and operational hurdles.
In a court filing reviewed by the BBC , Meta expressed its inability to comply with recent rulings, including a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) . The fine stems from a 38-month joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s privacy practices and consumer data policies.
The $220 Million Fine and Meta’s Response
On July 19, 2024 , the FCCPC fined Meta $220 million for alleged violations committed by WhatsApp and other Meta-owned platforms. Meta has vowed to appeal the decision, but the competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the fine on April 25, 2025 , giving Meta until the end of June to comply.
In response, Meta warned that it may have no choice but to “effectively shut down” Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria to mitigate further enforcement actions. While the company did not include WhatsApp in its court filing, the messaging platform remains under scrutiny.
NDPC’s Data Privacy Demands Spark Controversy
A significant portion of Meta’s grievances revolves around the NDPC’s interpretation of Nigeria’s data protection laws . The NDPC fined Meta $32.8 million for alleged violations, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) levied an additional $37.5 million fine for unapproved advertising practices.
One of the most contentious NDPC demands requires Meta to seek prior approval before transferring Nigerian users’ data abroad—a condition Meta has labeled as “unrealistic.” The NDPC also mandated that Meta produce and display educational content on data privacy risks, developed in collaboration with government-approved institutions and non-profit organizations.
Meta has pushed back against these demands, arguing that they are “unworkable” and reflect a misinterpretation of Nigeria’s data protection laws. The company claims these regulations could severely impact its ability to operate effectively in the country.
Escalating Tensions Between Meta and Nigerian Authorities
The FCCPC and NDPC’s investigations, which spanned from May 2021 to December 2023 , have culminated in hefty fines and increased regulatory pressure. Meta contends that the cumulative demands place an unsustainable burden on its operations, potentially forcing it to withdraw from the Nigerian market entirely.
This standoff highlights the growing tensions between global tech giants and national regulators, particularly in regions where data sovereignty and consumer protection are emerging priorities.
What’s at Stake for Nigeria?
If Meta follows through on its threat to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria, millions of users could lose access to these platforms, which serve as vital tools for communication, business, and social interaction.
For businesses, the shutdown could disrupt marketing strategies, e-commerce operations, and customer engagement efforts that rely heavily on Meta’s platforms. Additionally, the move could deepen the digital divide in underserved communities, where Facebook and Instagram are often primary gateways to the internet.
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