The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has responded strongly to reports that Meta Platforms, owners of WhatsApp, may be considering exiting Nigeria following a recent enforcement order. The Commission described the move as a calculated attempt to manipulate public sentiment and pressure regulators into backing down.
In a statement released by Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, the Commission made it clear that Meta’s potential withdrawal from the Nigerian market “does not absolve it of liabilities resulting from judicial findings or its obligations under Nigerian law.”
The FCCPC had investigated Meta Platforms and its subsidiary WhatsApp (referred to as the “Meta Parties”) for alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The investigation uncovered repeated breaches, including:
“Meta’s conduct in Nigeria mirrors similar patterns observed globally,” the Commission noted, citing major penalties imposed on the tech giant, including a $1.5 billion fine in Texas and a $1.3 billion data privacy violation ruling in the European Union. “In those jurisdictions, Meta complied. Why should Nigeria be any different?” the statement asked.
The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal recently upheld the FCCPC’s final order directing the Meta Parties to revise their practices, comply with Nigerian laws, and respect consumer rights in line with global standards.
The Commission emphasized that Meta’s exit threat does not negate the company’s responsibility for its past conduct nor exempt it from ongoing regulatory oversight.
“For the avoidance of doubt,” the FCCPC stated, “we remain resolute in our commitment to protecting Nigerian consumers and ensuring data privacy in a fair digital market.”
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