Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has delivered a major blow to tech giant Meta Platforms Inc., handing down a ruling that upholds a $220 million fine imposed by the country’s consumer protection authority. The tribunal, in its verdict delivered on Friday, found Meta guilty of several unlawful practices, including the unauthorized sharing of Nigerians’ data, discriminatory data handling, and abuse of market dominance. The commission argued that these actions violated Nigeria’s consumer protection and data privacy laws. The findings were made public through a statement released by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which served as the plaintiff in the case. The statement, signed by FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu, confirmed that the tribunal’s ruling upheld the commission’s findings, stating that “the tribunal ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings.”
Meta, however, has denied any wrongdoing and expressed disagreement with the ruling and imposed penalties. A WhatsApp spokesperson reiterated the company’s stance in an email shortly after the fine was first announced in June 2024. Despite its objections, Meta has until the end of June to comply with the tribunal’s ruling and settle the fine, as reported by local media outlets. The company must pay an additional $35,000 to cover the FCCPC’s investigative expenses. Nigeria remains one of Meta’s biggest markets in Africa, with over 164 million internet subscriptions as of March 2025. The platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, dominate online communication, making this a significant blow to the company’s operations in the country. The ruling adds to Meta’s mounting global regulatory troubles. The company is also facing a 200 million fine from the European Union over its controversial “pay or consent” data model on Facebook and Instagram, which regulators say violates EU data privacy rules.
- Key Findings of the Verdict:
- Unauthorized sharing of Nigerians’ data
- Discriminatory data handling
- Abuse of market dominance
The tribunal’s ruling has significant implications for Meta’s operations in Nigeria and globally. The company’s failure to comply with the ruling may result in further penalties or even the revocation of its licenses to operate in the country.
“The tribunal ruled that the multiple actions by WhatsApp and Meta, for which the Commission made findings of violations, were correctly identified, and that the Commission did not err in making those findings,” stated FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu.
Meta has until the end of June to settle the fine and comply with the tribunal’s ruling. If the company fails to do so, it may face further consequences. The verdict is a significant development in the ongoing regulatory battles between Meta and global regulators. The company’s failure to comply with the ruling may result in a loss of reputation and revenue.
| Country | Fine Amount | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria | $220 million | Unauthorized sharing of data, discriminatory data handling, and abuse of market dominance |
| Nigeria | $35,000 | Investigative expenses |
| European Union | $200 million | Controversial “pay or consent” data model on Facebook and Instagram |
Nigeria’s decision to uphold the fine against Meta sends a strong message to the tech giant about the importance of adhering to data protection and consumer protection laws in the country. The ruling is a significant development in the ongoing battle for online regulation and data protection. The European Union’s fine against Meta is another example of the global regulatory scrutiny the company is facing. In conclusion, the tribunal’s ruling against Meta is a major blow to the company’s operations in Nigeria and a significant development in the ongoing regulatory battles between Meta and global regulators. Meta’s failure to comply with the ruling may result in further penalties or even the revocation of its licenses to operate in the country. The company must take immediate action to settle the fine and comply with the tribunal’s ruling to avoid further consequences. The decision to uphold the fine against Meta sends a strong message to the tech giant about the importance of adhering to data protection and consumer protection laws in Nigeria.
