“Threatening to leave Nigeria does not absolve Meta of liabilities for the outcome of a judicial process,” the FCCPC stated.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reacted to Meta’s reported threat to exit Nigeria following a court’s affirmation of a $220 million fine imposed on the company.
In a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the Commission described the threat as “a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.”
The FCCPC found that Meta and WhatsApp violated the FCCPA and NDPR by denying Nigerians control over their personal data, unlawfully sharing user data, discriminating against Nigerian users, and abusing market dominance through unfair privacy policies.
“Elsewhere in India, South Korea, France and Australia, Meta had faced varying penalties for similar breaches. But Meta never resorted to the blackmail of threatening to exit those countries. They obeyed.”
The FCCPC affirmed its commitment to protecting consumers and enforcing compliance, noting that Meta must align with Nigerian standards and international best practices.