Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has fired back at Meta following the tech giant’s warning that it might pull Facebook and Instagram from the country. According to the FCCPC, Meta’s threat is a “public pressure tactic” and will not exempt the company from its existing regulatory liabilities.
Meta vs. Nigerian regulators
Meta had stated in court documents last week that it may shut down its platforms in Nigeria, citing what it called “unrealistic” regulatory demands and nearly $290 million in fines imposed by three different Nigerian oversight bodies. These fines stem from alleged violations of competition, advertising, and data protection laws.
However, Nigeria’s FCCPC made it clear that any such exit would not absolve Meta of legal consequences.
“Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process,” the commission said in a statement issued Saturday.
The commission’s accusations
The FCCPC accused Meta and WhatsApp of violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) in several ways:
- Denying Nigerians control over their personal data
- Sharing user data without explicit consent
- Discriminating against Nigerian users compared to other regions
- Abusing their dominant market position
The agency also said Meta’s conduct undermines fair competition and puts Nigerian users at a disadvantage.
A legal process underway
Meta’s legal attempt to overturn the fines failed at the Federal High Court in Abuja. Now, the FCCPC is emphasizing that the affirmation of its final order by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal means Meta must:
- Comply with Nigerian laws
- Stop exploitative practices
- Align operations with international standards and local regulations
Ongoing investigations
The FCCPC confirmed that Meta and its subsidiaries are still under investigation, reinforcing the Nigerian government’s commitment to enforcing consumer rights and data protection in the digital economy.
What this means for Nigeria’s tech landscape
The standoff between Meta and Nigerian regulators signals a growing trend in African countries demanding greater accountability from global tech firms. For users and businesses, the outcome could shape how platforms like Facebook and Instagram operate within the country in the near future.