Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is facing substantial fines from Nigerian authorities, potentially leading to a shutdown of Facebook and Instagram in the country. The tech giant has criticized the regulatory demands as unrealistic, with the Nigerian government imposing fines totalling over \$290 million (£218 million) in response to alleged violations of various laws.
In 2023, three Nigerian oversight agencies levied fines on Meta for breaching regulations. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a \$220 million penalty for alleged anti-competitive practices. Additionally, the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) fined Meta \$32.8 million for alleged violations of data privacy laws. The National Advertising Regulatory Authority also fined Meta \$37.5 million for unapproved advertising.
Despite a recent attempt to challenge the fines in Nigeria’s Federal High Court, Meta was unsuccessful. In its court submission, the company warned that it may be forced to shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria to avoid enforcement measures. The court has given Meta until the end of June 2025 to pay the fines.
Meta’s failure to comply with the fines would have serious consequences, especially for the millions of Nigerians who rely on Facebook and Instagram for communication, news sharing, and running small businesses. Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Nigeria, with tens of millions of users.
The primary point of contention between Meta and the Nigerian authorities revolves around the NDPC’s demand that Meta seek prior approval before transferring any personal data out of Nigeria. Meta has described this demand as unrealistic, arguing that it would create insurmountable obstacles. The company also criticized other requirements, such as a mandate to provide an icon linking to educational videos about data privacy risks, in collaboration with government-approved educational institutions and non-profit organizations. Meta contends that these demands are infeasible and a misinterpretation of data privacy laws.
While Meta’s WhatsApp service has not been mentioned in the ongoing dispute, its role as a crucial communication tool in Nigeria remains significant. The situation in Nigeria has raised concerns over the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational challenges faced by global tech companies.
As of now, Meta has not outlined its next steps but has indicated it is still exploring options. The outcome of this legal battle will have major implications for both Meta and Nigerian users, particularly those who depend on the platforms for both personal and business purposes.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between large technology companies and governments seeking to regulate their activities more closely, particularly in relation to data privacy, competition, and advertising practices. The next few months will be critical in determining whether Meta can resolve its issues with Nigerian regulators or whether the social media giant will be forced to scale back its services in the country.