Nigeria has quietly cancelled a $32.8 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc., the owner of Facebook and Instagram, in a confidential settlement that has raised fresh questions about regulatory strength and transparency. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) had slapped the fine on Meta in February 2025 after an investigation found that the company handled personal data of over 60 million Nigerians without proper consent, used the data for targeted advertising, and moved data abroad without complying with local rules.
On 30 October 2025, the NDPC and Meta signed a confidential settlement. Days later, a Federal High Court in Abuja turned the agreement into a formal consent judgment. Under the deal, Nigeria dropped the entire $32.8 million penalty, with Meta only agreeing to pay the government’s legal costs. Major corrective orders were softened or removed, replaced by vague promises to handle data better in the future. The details remained hidden for months until recent reports brought them to light.
NDPC spokesperson Itunu Dosekun defended the move, stating that it reflects the commission’s balanced approach. “We aim to promote businesses, not to spoil businesses… but also ensure organisations respect people’s privacy,” he said. The NDPC views the settlement as a way to achieve real compliance faster than lengthy court fights. However, critics argue that the quiet waiver sends a weak signal, suggesting that major fines may not stick when challenged.
The episode highlights a broader challenge for African countries: how to hold powerful global tech firms accountable while building credible institutions. Lawyers have threatened court action, arguing the deal undermines citizens’ privacy rights and the Data Protection Act. For ordinary Nigerians who use Facebook and Instagram daily, the story matters. Their personal data fuels a huge advertising business, and strong rules are meant to protect them. When penalties vanish without clear explanation, confidence in the watchdog drops.
Nigeria’s data protection journey is still young, and this settlement may test how seriously the country takes digital rights in the years ahead. Critics are now calling for more public reporting on such cases and clearer rules on when regulators can compromise. Without openness, future enforcement against global tech firms could be severely weakened.
