In April, Nigeria the Giant of Africa, enforced a $290 million fine against Meta for data breaches, marking the country’s biggest privacy ruling and a warning shot to global tech giants, according to Reuters.
The Facebook Nigeria fine is the outcome of a 38-month investigation by the country’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The NDPC stated that the danger of platform risk “manipulative and unfair data processing” for Nigerians.
Authorities found Meta guilty of unlawfully sharing user data, limiting users’ control over their personal information, and applying discriminatory practices that treated Facebook users in Nigeria less favorably than users in countries with similar legal frameworks.
Meta strongly objected to the ruling and announced its intention to a complete Nigeria shutdown of its operations, claiming a misinterpreted judgement of Nigeria’s data protection laws and has warned it may reconsider its presence in the country if the regulatory climate continues to tighten.
“The applicant may be forced to effectively shut down the Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in order to mitigate the risk of enforcement measures,” Meta said in a statement.
Africa Demands Accountability
The ruling on Meta in Nigeria comes on the heels of increased demand for accountability on how technology firms conduct their businesses in developing economies. Nigerian officials say the ruling is a sign of the country’s growing resolve to protect consumer interests and establish more stringent data regulation.
Another Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, also filed a separate $5 million lawsuit against Meta this year, alleging problems with its handling of individual data, in what might have also contributed to the Nigeria ban.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) responded to the case, calling on the Nigerian authorities to provide transparency in regulatory action and uphold basic rights when handling the Facebook in Nigeria.
“We urge Nigerian authorities to ensure that regulatory actions against tech companies are transparent, fair, and follow due process,” MFWA said, highlighting how this creates a worry for users on having the platform close its Facebook Nigeria office.
Meta’s Africa operations, where regulatory oversight is often uneven, have long raised questions around ethical data practices. The case of Facebook in Nigeria could set a precedent for other countries on the continent seeking to challenge unchecked corporate influence in digital markets.
As Meta prepares to appeal, the outcome may redefine the balance between innovation, privacy, and regulation not just in Nigeria, but across countries that ban social media and the wider African tech ecosystem.
Inside Telecom provides you with an extensive list of content covering all aspects of the tech industry. Keep an eye on our Tech sections to stay informed and up-to-date with our daily articles.