In what could become a landmark moment for Africa’s digital regulation landscape, the Nigerian government and Meta Platforms Inc. are edging toward an out-of-court settlement in a $32.8 million data privacy dispute. The case, which has kept global tech watchers on alert, marks one of Nigeria’s most significant moves to assert digital sovereignty and enforce accountability from foreign technology giants.
The dispute began in February 2025, when the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) filed a suit against Meta, accusing the company of breaching the Nigeria Data Protection Act. According to the NDPC, Meta’s behavioral advertising practices on Facebook and Instagram violated local data laws by transferring users’ personal information abroad without proper authorization or consent. Regulators also faulted the company for failing to obtain explicit permission from Nigerian users before processing their data.
As part of its demands, the NDPC ordered Meta to pay a $32.8 million fine, revise its privacy policies, and conduct a full data protection impact assessment. The company was also instructed to seek prior approval before transferring user data outside Nigeria — a move that underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring citizens’ privacy rights are respected in an era of cross-border data flow.
Meta Pushes Back, Settlement Talks Progress
Meta, however, denied any wrongdoing. The company described the process as flawed and claimed it had not been given a fair hearing. Despite its defense, the matter appears to be heading toward resolution.
At the resumed hearing on October 3, 2025, Meta’s counsel, Fred Onwuobia, told the Federal High Court in Abuja that both sides were in the advanced stages of negotiation. He requested that the court hold off on delivering a final judgment to allow the parties to finalize terms of settlement.
Confirming this, NDPC’s counsel Adeola Adedipe stated that discussions were indeed progressing positively. Following the submissions, Justice James Omotosho adjourned the case until October 31, 2025, when the settlement terms are expected to be adopted or judgment delivered if talks fail.
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A Pattern of Regulatory Scrutiny
This latest dispute adds to Meta’s mounting list of challenges in Nigeria. Over the past year, several regulatory bodies have taken aim at the company’s operations. In 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) fined Meta $220 million, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) imposed an additional $37.5 million penalty over alleged advertising violations.
These escalating actions reflect the Nigerian government’s growing resolve to enforce compliance and protect its fast-growing digital economy from what it views as unchecked corporate dominance. Analysts believe this signals a turning point in how global tech companies engage with African markets, particularly in areas concerning data use, advertising transparency, and user consent.
Regional Pressure and Broader Implications
Meta’s regulatory woes are not confined to Nigeria. In July 2025, a High Court in South Africa approved a consent order against the company after The Digital Law Company sued Meta for failing to swiftly remove explicit content involving schoolchildren on Instagram and WhatsApp. As part of the agreement, Meta shut down more than 60 accountslinked to the material and provided authorities with user data, including IP addresses and phone numbers, to help identify the culprits.
Industry experts note that the Nigerian settlement could set an influential precedent across Africa. If finalized, it may encourage other nations to enforce stricter digital governance measures, compelling multinational firms to adapt to local regulations or face hefty penalties.
Looking Ahead
For Nigeria, the case underscores a broader ambition — to assert itself as a defender of digital rights in a continent that’s rapidly digitizing but often lacks strong enforcement mechanisms. For Meta, it’s another reminder of the global shift toward tighter regulation and localized compliance.
As both parties move closer to an agreement, observers say the final outcome could redefine how Big Tech operates in emerging markets — balancing innovation with accountability, and profit with privacy.
