In a landmark decision, Nigeria's Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The fine was originally imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in July 2024 after a comprehensive 38-month investigation into Meta's data practices in Nigeria.

The FCCPC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), launched an investigation in May 2021 focusing on Meta's compliance with Nigeria's data protection and consumer rights laws. The probe was initiated following concerns over WhatsApp's updated privacy policy and its implications for Nigerian users.

The investigation revealed multiple violations, including

• Unauthorized sharing of Nigerian users' data without proper consent.
• Failure to provide mechanisms for users to control how their data is used.
• Discriminatory practices that treated Nigerian consumers differently compared to users in other regions.
• Abuse of market dominance by imposing unfair privacy policies.

These findings led to the FCCPC issuing a final order mandating Meta to cease these practices and comply with local laws. In addition to the $220 million fine, Meta was ordered to pay $35,000 to cover the cost of the investigation.

Meta appealed the FCCPC's decision, arguing that the fine was excessive and that the FCCPC overstepped its authority. However, on April 25, 2025, the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal dismissed Meta's appeal, affirming that the FCCPC acted within its legal mandate. The tribunal found that Meta had been given ample opportunity to respond to the allegations and that the company's practices did indeed violate Nigerian laws.

This ruling marks a significant step in Nigeria's efforts to assert digital sovereignty and protect its citizens' data rights. With over 154 million active internet users, Nigeria is one of the largest digital markets in Africa. The decision sends a clear message to multinational tech companies about the importance of complying with local regulations and respecting consumer rights.

Furthermore, the case highlights the growing trend of countries in the Global South taking a stand against perceived digital colonialism, where tech giants exploit user data without providing equitable protections or governance.

The upholding of the $220 million fine against Meta underscores Nigeria's commitment to enforcing data protection laws and holding corporations accountable for their actions. As digital economies continue to grow, such regulatory actions are likely to become more common, prompting tech companies to reevaluate their practices in emerging markets.