In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, users voiced concern over the dominance of foreign platforms and advocated for locally-developed alternatives.
Abuja, May 18 (NAN) – In response to Meta’s threat to exit Nigeria, social media users across the country have called for the creation of indigenous social networking platforms to reduce reliance on foreign tech giants.
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, issued the warning following a $220 million fine upheld by a Nigerian tribunal over data protection and competition violations.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, users voiced concern over the dominance of foreign platforms and advocated for locally-developed alternatives.
Mr. Moses Atuegwu described Meta’s threat as “uncalled for,” given the massive user base it enjoys in Nigeria. “We cannot continue to be controlled by these foreign platforms. We should have an alternative that is indigenous based,” he said.
Ms. Pearl Adekunle emphasized that homegrown platforms would enhance content regulation and national data protection efforts. “China and Russia have their own indigenous social media platforms… Nothing stops Nigeria from adopting the same,” she said.
Miss Esther Indiana-Obong noted that local platforms could foster innovation in Nigeria’s tech sector and reduce dependency on global firms.
Alhaji Aminu Zakari added that domestic platforms would improve regulatory oversight.
Meta’s potential exit follows a tribunal ruling affirming a $220 million penalty for violations of Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation and the Federal Competition Act. The FCCPC described Meta’s threat as a pressure tactic and confirmed the company’s noncompliance with local laws.
The tribunal also awarded $35,000 to the FCCPC as the cost of investigation.
(NAN)