The Nigerian Government has confirmed its decision to fine Meta Platforms Inc. $220 million for allegedly violating the nation’s data protection laws — www.naijnaira.com reports.
Meta, the American company behind Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, is accused of mishandling data belonging to millions of Nigerian citizens.
According to BusinessDay, the fine followed an extensive probe led by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) with input from other agencies.
Vincent Olatunji, who heads the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), explained that the penalty is a clear reminder that tech giants must operate within the country’s legal framework.
“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” Olatunji stressed.
He revealed that regulators are deeply concerned about how Nigerians’ data is collected and managed, both at home and abroad.
“The future of government is digital, but its success depends on trust—and privacy is the foundation of that trust,” he added.
The DevsInGovernment initiative, where Olatunji spoke, trains civil servants to design secure digital systems that put citizen rights at the center.
Government officials emphasized that protecting data is a strategic priority as Nigeria accelerates its transition into a fully digital economy.
They also called on the private sector, civil society, and citizens to work together with government in building accountable, transparent digital platforms.
By enforcing this fine, Nigeria is sending a strong message to global tech companies: Respect national laws or face serious consequences.
Article updated 5 days ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
