FG Fires Back at WhatsApp’s Threat to Exit Nigeria Over $220m Fine

The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded to Meta Platforms Inc.’s threat to exit the country over the $220m fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
In a statement released on Thursday, the FCCPC described WhatsApp’s threat as a “strategic move” aimed at influencing public opinion and pressuring the commission to reconsider its decision.
The FCCPC reaffirmed its stance that Meta discriminated against Nigerian users and abused its dominant market position by forcing unfair privacy policies.
The fine was imposed for unauthorized appropriation of personal data without user consent and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.

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The FCCPC’s statement reads:
“WhatsApp’s claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC’s recent order appears to be a strategic move aimed at influencing public opinion and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.”
“The Commission found that Meta Parties engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR.”
“The final order requires Meta Parties to take steps to comply with Nigerian law, stop exploiting Nigerian consumers, change their practices to meet Nigerian standards and respect consumer rights.”
The FCCPC emphasized that its actions are based on legitimate concerns about consumer protection and data privacy, and that similar measures are taken in other jurisdictions without forcing companies to leave the market.
The commission remains firm in its decision, stating that “the case of Nigeria will not be different.”