Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has warned that it could shut down its services in Nigeria if ongoing disputes with government agencies remain unresolved. The tech giant is currently facing nearly $300 million in fines, with Nigerian regulators imposing what Meta describes as excessive and unrealistic demands.
Breakdown of the fines
Three separate Nigerian government bodies have penalised Meta this year:
- The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined Meta $220 million.
- The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) issued a ₦60 billion fine (around $37.5 million).
- The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) added a penalty of $32.8 million.
Combined, these fines amount to approximately $290.3 million.
Dispute over data protection requirements
At the heart of the conflict are Nigeria’s data privacy and localisation laws. The NDPC insists that Meta must obtain explicit approval before transferring any Nigerian user data outside the country. Meta argues these requirements are impractical and based on a misinterpretation of existing privacy laws.
Additionally, the NDPC has instructed Meta to add a visible educational link on Facebook and Instagram for Nigerian users. This content, aimed at informing users about manipulative data practices, must be co-developed with government-approved NGOs and academic institutions.
Meta’s response
In legal filings, Meta stated:
“The applicant (Meta) may be forced to effectively shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria,”
citing regulatory burdens and the risk of non-compliance enforcement.
A pattern of friction
This isn’t the first major dispute between Meta and Nigerian authorities. In 2024, WhatsApp threatened to exit Nigeria after being fined $220 million by regulators. The fine was upheld by a tribunal, which also added a $35,000 fee for investigative costs. Meta is now involved in multiple legal battles across three federal courts.
What’s next?
The ongoing standoff raises concerns over the future of social media access for millions of Nigerians. If Meta follows through with its threat, the decision could disrupt digital communication, advertising, and e-commerce in the country.