Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has firmly responded to Meta’s warning about potentially pulling Facebook and Instagram services from the country, labeling it a public pressure tactic aimed at halting regulatory action. The statement followed Meta’s court filing suggesting a service shutdown as a way to manage enforcement risks tied to local laws. Meta’s warning came after Nigerian agencies imposed over $290 million in fines for violations related to competition, advertising, and data privacy.
According to the FCCPC, Meta’s threat is an attempt to stir public sentiment against the commission’s enforcement of the law. The agency clarified that Meta, including WhatsApp, remains under investigation for breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). These probes are based on concerns around how Meta handles user data and its competitive practices.
The FCCPC accused Meta of repeatedly violating Nigerian laws by mishandling user data, operating without adequate user consent, and maintaining discriminatory practices against Nigerian users compared to other global markets. It also criticized the company for abusing its dominant market position and undermining the principle of fair competition within the digital space.
In a firm closing statement, the FCCPC reiterated that no company, regardless of its global standing, is above Nigerian law. It emphasized that the recent legal rulings demand Meta’s compliance with national regulations. The agency declared its commitment to ensuring digital fairness, data protection, and robust consumer rights enforcement, warning that withdrawal from the Nigerian market won’t shield Meta from accountability.
Source: Business Day