Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ: META), the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced that it may be forced to shut down its operations in Nigeria following escalating tensions with regulatory bodies and fines totaling over $290 million.
The Nigerian Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) have levied significant financial penalties against Meta, citing alleged breaches of consumer protection laws, unapproved digital advertisements, and non-compliance with local data governance regulations.
“We remain committed to providing valuable services to our Nigerian users and supporting small businesses and creators across the country,” said a Meta spokesperson. “However, the current regulatory environment presents severe challenges to our ability to operate effectively. The cumulative fines and demands placed on us are not only excessive but threaten the future of our platforms in the Nigerian market.”
Meta has described the regulatory actions as “disproportionate and harmful to innovation,” and is currently pursuing legal avenues to challenge the sanctions. Despite ongoing dialogue with Nigerian authorities, the company stated it may be compelled to suspend access to Facebook and Instagram if a workable resolution is not reached soon.
The fines include a $220 million penalty issued by the FCCPC for alleged violations related to data handling and consumer consent, and a separate N30 billion (~$70 million) claim by ARCON regarding ad compliance issues.