Meta's looming withdrawal could impact millions of Nigerian users and small businesses dependent on the platforms.
**Meta Considers Facebook Exit from Nigeria Amid Heavy Fines**
**Meta Considers Facebook Exit from Nigeria Amid Heavy Fines**
Meta threatens to withdraw Facebook and Instagram from Nigeria due to significant regulatory fines and demands.
Meta Platforms Inc. has warned that it may shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria in response to extensive fines imposed by Nigerian regulatory authorities. The company faces over $290 million in fines stemming from accusations of non-compliance with various laws related to data privacy, competition, and advertising practices.
In a recent submission to the federal court in Abuja, Meta indicated that unless the fines are resolved, it might be forced to discontinue its services, citing "unrealistic" regulatory demands made by three different oversight agencies in the country. This announcement has alarmed the vast number of Nigerians who rely on these services for day-to-day communication and business operations.
The fines were levied after investigations revealed alleged breaches related to data protection and anti-competitive behavior. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) led the charge, imposing the largest share of fines, including a $220 million penalty. Furthermore, the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) fined Meta $32.8 million for purported violations of data privacy laws, a claim Meta contests, suggesting the commission has misinterpreted data privacy regulations.
Of particular concern to Meta are the NDPC's demands for prior approval for data transfers outside Nigeria, which the company deems unfeasible. In addition, the commission has stipulated that Meta must feature educational content regarding data privacy risks, to be developed in partnership with approved educational institutions—requirements that Meta argues are burdensome.
Despite these challenges, Facebook remains the most widely used social media platform in Nigeria, engaging tens of millions of users and serving as a critical avenue for small businesses to connect with customers. The looming threat of service suspension is met with anxiety as both users and businesses brace for the potential fallout if Meta follows through on its claims. The outcome hinges on ongoing discussions between Meta and Nigerian authorities, as the court has granted Meta until the end of June to resolve these financial penalties.
