Meta’s Threat to Exit Nigeria Fails to Sway FCCPC
posted 3rd May 2025
Meta’s Threat to Exit Nigeria Fails to Sway FCCPC
Lagos, 3 May 2025 – WhatsApp’s threat to cease operations in Nigeria over a recent regulatory order has been branded a “calculated move” by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), as the social media giant faces mounting scrutiny for violating Nigerian data protection laws.
The FCCPC’s investigation into Meta Platforms and its subsidiary WhatsApp—collectively termed “Meta Parties”—uncovered repeated breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The commission found that Meta denied Nigerians control over their personal data, transferred user information without authorisation, discriminated against Nigerian users compared to those in other jurisdictions, and abused its dominant market position by imposing unfair privacy policies.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal recently upheld the FCCPC’s final order, mandating Meta to align with Nigerian laws, halt exploitative practices, and respect consumer rights in line with global standards. However, WhatsApp’s response—threatening to exit Nigeria—has drawn sharp criticism from the FCCPC, which insists that such tactics will not absolve Meta of its legal obligations.
“This is not the first time Meta has faced penalties for similar violations,” said Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs. “In Texas, Meta was fined $1.5 billion, and just recently, they were ordered to pay $1.3 billion for breaching E.U. data privacy rules. In India, South Korea, France, and Australia, Meta complied with penalties without threatening to abandon those markets.”
Ijagwu stressed that Meta’s threat to leave Nigeria appears designed to provoke public backlash and pressure the FCCPC into reversing its decision. “Quitting Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities arising from a judicial process,” he added.
The FCCPC remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcing consumer protection and data privacy laws, aiming to foster a fairer digital market in Nigeria. As the standoff continues, all eyes are on Meta’s next move in the face of Nigeria’s unwavering regulatory resolve.
