Meta Agrees to $32.8M Settlement with Nigeria Over Data Privacy Breach
Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to pay $32.8 million to Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to settle allegations of violating user privacy and data transfer rules. The settlement marks a significant development in digital rights enforcement across Africa, signaling Nigeria’s growing role in holding global tech firms accountable.
The fine, initially imposed in February 2025, arose from claims that Meta used Nigerian users’ personal data for behavioural advertising without explicit consent, processed data from non-users, failed to submit mandatory compliance audits, and transferred data abroad without proper authorization. These actions were deemed violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, a law designed to safeguard the personal information of citizens.
After months of legal disputes, Meta chose an out-of-court settlement, despite previously contesting both the fine and its legal basis. The agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of October 2025 and demonstrates Meta’s willingness to align with Nigeria’s tightening regulatory framework, highlighting a shift in how multinational tech companies navigate compliance in emerging markets.
As part of the settlement, the NDPC has instructed Meta to update its privacy policies, carry out localised data protection impact assessments, and secure explicit consent from users before any targeted advertising. Regulators believe this move could serve as a blueprint for how other technology firms manage user data and comply with new data protection laws across Africa.
The case underscores Nigeria’s commitment to digital governance and user protection. “This settlement highlights the importance of respecting user privacy and adhering to national data protection standards,” said an NDPC official. The outcome could influence Meta’s operations not only in Nigeria but across the continent, as Africa pushes for stronger digital sovereignty and accountability in the tech sector.
source: arise