The privacy dispute between tech giant Meta Platforms, Inc. and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has been officially resolved, following a successful out-of-court settlement. The Federal High Court in Abuja ratified the terms of the agreement, bringing an end to the litigation over a substantial $32.8 million fine previously imposed on Meta.
The legal battle began earlier this year, in February 2025, when the NDPC fined Meta and issued eight corrective orders. The agency had accused the company, which operates platforms like Facebook and Instagram, of allegedly violating the privacy rights of Nigerian users through certain behavioural advertising practices. Meta had subsequently challenged the penalty and enforcement orders through a judicial review, arguing that the NDPC had exceeded its statutory powers and failed to adhere to due process.
However, during proceedings on Monday before Justice James Omotosho, Meta’s counsel, Fred Onuobia, SAN, informed the court that both parties had formally signed and filed the terms of settlement, which were dated 30th October. “We adopt the terms of settlement and ask my lord to enter them as the judgment of the court,” Onuobia requested. Counsel for the NDPC, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, did not oppose the application.
Justice Omotosho commended both the regulator and the multinational corporation for choosing to resolve the matter amicably outside of a protracted trial. The judge then formally adopted the mutual agreement as the court’s judgment, effectively ending months of back-and-forth litigation.
The economic implications of this resolution are significant, particularly for Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy. The case was one of the first major enforcement actions taken by the NDPC under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, a landmark law signed in 2023.
By actively pursuing enforcement against a global tech giant like Meta, the NDPC signals to both domestic and international investors that Nigeria is serious about protecting consumer data. This, in turn, helps to build consumer trust, which is essential for the sustained growth of the digital commerce and advertising markets.
However, the fact that an out-of-court settlement was reached also demonstrates a pragmatic approach by the government. It shows a willingness to achieve compliance and policy objectives without creating an overly punitive environment that could deter major international players from operating in or investing in Nigeria. The resolution provides a clearer roadmap for other global tech firms operating within Nigeria’s jurisdiction, defining the boundaries and expectations under the new data privacy framework, and ensuring a more secure and predictable digital environment for businesses.
