Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has warned that it may shut down both platforms in Nigeria due to what it describes as “unrealistic” regulatory demands and nearly $290 million in fines imposed by three government agencies.
According to court filings reviewed by the BBC, this warning follows Meta’s failed legal bid to overturn the penalties, which Nigerian authorities insist must be paid by the end of June 2025.
In July 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) accused Meta of violating local consumer and data protection laws through its data-sharing practices on Facebook and WhatsApp. The FCCPC claimed Meta denied Nigerian users control over their personal data, shared user information without consent, and abused its market dominance.
A Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed Meta’s appeal in April 2025, affirming the penalties and the deadline for payment.
Meta stated in its court filings that failure to comply could result in the shutdown of Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria to avoid enforcement actions. The company also argued that the conditions imposed by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), particularly the requirement for prior approval on all cross-border data transfers, are impractical and inconsistent with Nigerian law.
In addition, the NDPC has ordered Meta to include an icon on its platforms linking to government-approved videos educating users on the dangers of manipulative data practices—an obligation Meta claims is unfeasible.
While FCCPC chief Adamu Abdullahi said investigations revealed “invasive practices” by Meta, he did not provide details. The NDPC’s video initiative aims to raise awareness about the financial and health risks associated with data misuse.
Facebook remains Nigeria’s most widely used social media platform. Millions of Nigerians, especially small businesses, depend on it for communication, marketing, and trade. A shutdown would significantly impact the country’s digital economy.
