Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly considering pulling both platforms from Nigeria amid escalating regulatory pressure and mounting fines.
The tech giant faces a series of penalties from various Nigerian agencies, totaling nearly $290.3 million. Last week, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) imposed a $220 million fine on Meta, a decision upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal. The tribunal also awarded the FCCPC an additional $35,000 to cover investigative costs.
FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the tribunal’s ruling affirms the commission’s authority under Nigerian law and underscores its commitment to due process.
Meta’s appeal—filed jointly with WhatsApp—challenging the legitimacy of the FCCPC’s investigation was dismissed by a tribunal panel led by Hon. Thomas Okosun.
Further compounding Meta’s regulatory woes, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) levied a ₦60 billion fine (approximately $37.5 million), while the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) added another $32.8 million in penalties.
Meta argues that these fines and legal actions are obstructing its ability to operate in Nigeria. In official filings, the company stated, “The applicant (Meta) may be forced to effectively shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria,” if enforcement efforts proceed.
