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In a landmark decision that signals a new era at the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Meta Platforms, Inc., parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, has been fined $220 million for violating Nigeria’s data protection and consumer rights laws.
The fine, upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday, 25 April 2025, must be paid within 60 days, according to a report by TechPoint. This historic action comes under the leadership of Mr. Tunji Bello, the new Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, who has wasted no time reinforcing the Commission’s mandate to protect Nigerian consumers in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Why Meta Was Penalized
Following a detailed 38-month investigation launched in May 2021, the FCCPC, working with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), uncovered major breaches. These included the unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users’ data, weak consent mechanisms, and discriminatory practices that treated Nigerian consumers differently from users in other parts of the world. The Commission emphasized that Meta’s actions violated the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.
Meta’s Defense and the Tribunal’s Position
Meta contested the decision, describing the fine as “excessive” and arguing that the FCCPC’s directives were unclear and technically impossible to implement under Nigerian law. The company also asserted that only the NDPC had jurisdiction over data protection matters. The Tribunal, however, dismissed Meta’s arguments, affirming that the FCCPC had acted within its lawful powers. It noted that Meta had been given sufficient opportunity to defend itself. The Tribunal directed Meta and WhatsApp to immediately stop the unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users’ data with third parties, including Facebook, restore effective user consent frameworks, and revert to their 2016 data-sharing policies.
A New Direction for Consumer Protection
Under Mr. Bello’s leadership, the FCCPC is stepping into a new phase: one marked by stronger enforcement actions and a firm stance against digital corporate excesses. This fine against Meta is now seen as a major statement of intent, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to safeguarding consumer rights in an increasingly digitalized economy. Observers say the Commission’s bold action reflects a broader vision where Nigeria is not just a growing digital market but a country where consumer protection is firmly embedded in law and practice.
The Meta case stands as an early but strong indication that a new chapter is unfolding at the FCCPC under Tunji Bello’s watch.
