The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to immediately comply with a Nigerian tribunal’s decision upholding a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc. The penalty was imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over significant violations of consumer, data protection, and privacy laws.
In a letter dated April 26, 2025, SERAP also demanded Meta compensate victims, pay an additional $35,000 awarded to the FCCPC as investigation costs, and implement guarantees to prevent future violations.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal recently confirmed the FCCPC’s fine after finding Meta guilty of serious misconduct through a joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), spanning over three years.
SERAP stressed that Meta’s activities in Nigeria have infringed on citizens’ human rights, had a chilling effect on digital freedoms, and remain inconsistent with international standards such as the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
The open letter, signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, warns Meta against prolonging the harm to victims by appealing the tribunal’s judgment and urges immediate compliance. SERAP emphasized Meta’s responsibility to respect human rights, ensure data privacy, and provide restitution in line with Nigerian law and global human rights obligations.
If Meta fails to act within seven days of receiving the letter, SERAP said it will pursue legal action nationally and internationally to enforce the ruling and protect the rights of affected Nigerians.
SERAP’s Demands to Meta and Mark Zuckerberg:
– Immediately pay the $220 million fine upheld by the Tribunal.
– Pay the $35,000 cost of investigation awarded to FCCPC.
– Identify and compensate affected victims.
– Prevent future rights violations and ensure accountability.
– Disclose human rights due diligence steps taken following the ruling.
– Align Meta’s Nigerian operations with international human rights standards.
– Publish transparency reports on its privacy and data protection practices.
SERAP reaffirmed that these steps are in line with the Nigerian Constitution, the FCCP Act, and international laws that apply to Meta’s operations in Nigeria.
