Meta threatens to pull Facebook, Instagram from Nigeria over massive fines
The U.S.-based firm, which also owns WhatsApp, disclosed in recent court filings that ongoing demands from Nigerian regulators could force it to shut down two of its most popular platforms in the country.
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Nigerians could soon lose access to Facebook and Instagram as tech giant Meta weighs the possibility of exiting the country due to escalating regulatory pressure and hefty financial penalties.
The U.S.-based firm, which also owns WhatsApp, disclosed in recent court filings that ongoing demands from Nigerian regulators could force it to shut down two of its most popular platforms in the country.
Although WhatsApp was not explicitly mentioned, the potential withdrawal of Facebook and Instagram would significantly impact millions of users and digital businesses across Nigeria.
Meta’s legal troubles began last year when three Nigerian regulatory bodies slapped the company with fines totaling over $290 million for various infractions, including data privacy breaches, anti-competitive conduct, and unapproved advertising content. The Federal High Court in Abuja recently dismissed Meta's challenge against these penalties, giving the company until the end of June to comply.
In particular, Meta is pushing back against the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC), which accused it of mishandling user data and imposed a fine of $32.8 million. The NDPC further demanded that Meta obtain prior authorization before transferring any user data abroad—a condition Meta deems "unrealistic."
The data watchdog also directed Meta to develop educational content about digital privacy in partnership with local institutions. These materials must include information about risks like manipulative data practices that could endanger users' health or finances.
Meta contends that the NDPC's requirements are impractical and stem from a flawed interpretation of privacy legislation. The company has yet to confirm its next course of action.
Facebook remains Nigeria's most-used social media platform, serving as a crucial communication hub and a business lifeline for countless entrepreneurs. Any suspension of its services could deal a serious blow to the country's online economy and digital ecosystem.
