Nigerians may soon be cut off from Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp as Meta, the parent company of the platforms, considers suspending its operations in the country over escalating regulatory tensions.
This development follows fines exceeding \$290 million levied against Meta by three Nigerian regulatory bodies in 2024. Meta’s legal attempts to overturn the penalties were unsuccessful, with a Federal High Court ruling upholding the sanctions and giving the company until the end of June 2025 to comply.
Breakdown of the Fines
- Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC): \$220 million for alleged anti-competitive practices.
- Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON): \$37.5 million for publishing unapproved advertisements.
- Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC): \$32.8 million for alleged violations of data privacy laws.
Meta has raised concerns over what it describes as Nigeria’s "unrealistic regulatory requirements," particularly pointing to the NDPC’s interpretation of the country’s data protection framework. One major point of contention is a rule requiring the company to obtain prior approval before transferring any personal data out of Nigeria—an obligation Meta says is operationally unfeasible.
The NDPC has also instructed Meta to display an icon linking users to educational materials on data privacy risks, developed in collaboration with government-approved partners.
Impact on Nigerian Users
Facebook is Nigeria’s most widely used social media platform, playing a central role in personal communication, news dissemination, and small business operations. Any suspension of Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp services would significantly disrupt the digital ecosystem and affect millions of individuals and businesses across the country.
Regulatory Crackdown Beyond Meta
This regulatory standoff is part of a broader effort by Nigerian authorities to tighten oversight of digital platforms. In a related move, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission recently announced plans to clamp down on loan app operators accused of violating user privacy.
As the deadline looms, Meta’s next steps could determine whether Nigerian users will retain access to its suite of services or face a sudden digital blackout.
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