Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of popular social media platforms Facebook and Instagram, has issued a stern warning that it may be forced to shut down both platforms in Nigeria.
This drastic move follows mounting regulatory fines and what Meta considers “unrealistic” demands from Nigerian authorities regarding data privacy and consumer protection.
The conflict stems from a prolonged investigation by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s data privacy practices. In a court filing seen by the BBC, Meta expressed concerns over the $220 million fine imposed on the company in July 2024 for alleged data privacy violations. These fines are linked to WhatsApp and other Meta-owned platforms.
Meta has vowed to appeal the fine, asserting that it is an excessive penalty for the violations in question. The competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the fine in April 2025, ordering Meta to comply with the ruling by the end of June 2025.
Regulatory Pressure and Dispute Over Data Transfer Rules
In response to the fine, Meta warned that it might be forced to “effectively shut down” Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria as a means of mitigating the risk of additional penalties. This comes as tensions escalate between Meta and Nigerian regulatory bodies, with the company alleging that the NDPC‘s interpretation of Nigerian data protection laws is flawed.
In addition to the $220 million fine imposed by the FCCPC, Meta also faces a $32.8 million fine from the NDPC for alleged violations of data protection laws. Furthermore, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) imposed an additional $37.5 million fine on Meta for unauthorized advertising on its platforms.
A key issue Meta raised in its defense is the NDPC’s demand that the company seek approval before transferring Nigerian users’ data abroad. Meta has described this requirement as “unrealistic,” arguing that it would severely impact the company’s ability to operate efficiently.
The NDPC has also mandated Meta to produce and display educational content on data privacy risks, which should be developed in collaboration with government-approved institutions and non-profit organizations. Meta has strongly pushed back against these demands, calling them “unworkable” and claiming that the NDPC has failed to accurately interpret Nigeria’s data protection laws.
Impact of Regulatory Actions on Meta’s Operations in Nigeria
The FCCPC and NDPC’s joint investigation, which ran from May 2021 to December 2023, has culminated in hefty fines for Meta. The company fears that the data protection regulations being enforced could hinder its ability to continue providing its services in the country, affecting millions of Nigerian users who rely on Facebook and Instagram.
This ongoing regulatory dispute highlights the growing tension between multinational tech companies and government authorities in various countries, as regulators seek to enforce stricter data privacy laws.
