Millions of Nigerians may soon lose access to Facebook and Instagram as tech giant Meta faces mounting pressure from local regulatory agencies.
The U.S.-based company has warned that it could be forced to shut down its services in Nigeria due to what it describes as “unrealistic” regulatory demands and steep financial penalties imposed by Nigerian authorities, according to a BBC report.
The conflict stems from a series of fines handed down last year by three Nigerian oversight bodies. In total, Meta was ordered to pay more than $290 million for alleged violations of competition, advertising, and data privacy laws.
After a failed legal challenge in Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja, Meta now has until the end of June to settle the penalties or face enforcement actions.
In court documents, Meta said the pressures could compel it to “effectively shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria” in an effort to avoid punitive measures. Notably, the company did not include WhatsApp—also under its umbrella—in its statement.
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Facebook remains Nigeria’s most widely used social media platform, playing a central role in how millions communicate, share news, and run small businesses. Any potential shutdown would not only disrupt personal connections but could also significantly impact e-commerce and digital marketing across the country.
The fines issued last July include a $220 million penalty from the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for alleged anti-competitive behavior.
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Additionally, Nigeria’s advertising regulator fined Meta $37.5 million for broadcasting unapproved ads, and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) levied a $32.8 million fine for violating data privacy laws.
FCCPC CEO Adamu Abdullahi explained that joint investigations from May 2021 to December 2023 revealed “invasive practices” against Nigerian users, though he declined to detail the specific breaches.
Meta’s strongest objection centers on the NDPC’s interpretation of data privacy laws. The commission has mandated that Meta must obtain prior approval before transferring any personal data out of Nigeria—a condition the company labeled as “unrealistic.”
The NDPC also requires Meta to create an educational video series about data privacy risks, in collaboration with government-approved organizations, and to include visible icons linking to this content on its platforms.
Meta argues these stipulations are both vague and impractical, accusing the NDPC of misinterpreting existing legislation. As the June deadline approaches, the standoff raises serious concerns about the future of digital connectivity in Nigeria. While regulators emphasize protecting user data and consumer rights, Meta insists that regulatory overreach could leave tens of millions disconnected.
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