Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, is reportedly in talks with Nigeria’s National Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to secure an out-of-court settlement following a hefty $32.8 million sanction imposed on the company for alleged data privacy violations.
The sanction, announced earlier this year, stems from what regulators described as Meta’s failure to fully comply with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act. The NDPC accused the social media giant of mishandling user information, breaching consent rules, and failing to meet local compliance standards designed to safeguard citizens’ personal data.
Rather than engage in prolonged litigation, sources close to the matter told Nairametrics that Meta has opted for a conciliatory approach, signaling its willingness to work with Nigerian authorities to resolve the dispute. Negotiations are said to be ongoing, with discussions centered on potential reductions to the fine, timelines for compliance, and commitments to stronger data governance measures.
> “We are engaging with the NDPC in good faith to address their concerns and ensure our platforms operate in line with Nigeria’s data protection requirements,” a Meta spokesperson was quoted as saying.
The NDPC, established under the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, has recently intensified enforcement against global tech firms operating in the country, as part of efforts to strengthen digital rights and user privacy. The commission has stressed that its actions are not targeted at stifling innovation but aimed at ensuring accountability and transparency in the digital economy.
Analysts suggest that Meta’s move to pursue an out-of-court resolution reflects a broader shift by tech multinationals toward cooperation with African regulators, who are increasingly asserting their authority in the data economy. Industry experts say the outcome of this case could set a significant precedent for how global platforms engage with Nigeria’s fast-growing digital ecosystem.
The sanction against Meta also highlights growing global scrutiny over Big Tech’s handling of personal data. In recent years, regulators in Europe and other jurisdictions have levied multibillion-dollar fines against major technology firms for similar privacy breaches.
As discussions continue, it remains unclear whether the NDPC will agree to reduce the penalty or impose additional compliance obligations on Meta. However, both parties have expressed optimism that a settlement will be reached without resorting to prolonged legal battles.
If successful, the resolution could mark a turning point in how Nigeria enforces data protection laws, balancing regulatory oversight with the need to attract foreign investment into its digital economy.
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