Meta Platforms Inc., the American media giant that owns Facebook and Instagram, is close to reaching an out-of-court settlement with the Nigerian government in a $32.8 million data protection dispute, a case that could establish a major precedent for global tech firms operating in Africa’s largest digital economy.
The case, filed in February 2025, centers on accusations by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) that Meta violated the Nigeria Data Protection Act. The violations allegedly include inappropriate data use and transfers, failure to obtain explicit consent from Nigerian users, and misuse of data for behavioral advertising on its platforms.
Settlement Negotiations
During a resumed hearing at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, October 3, 2025, lawyers representing both parties confirmed that negotiations were in an advanced stage.
Fred Onwuobia, counsel for Meta, informed presiding Judge James Omotosho that they were close to resolving the dispute and requested the court to suspend judgment to allow for the conclusion of settlement discussions.
This development was confirmed by Adeola Adedipe, counsel for the NDPC, who stated that negotiations were “progressing positively.”
Authorities had initially directed Meta to revise its privacy policy, conduct a data protection impact assessment, and seek prior approval before transferring user data outside the country, in addition to the proposed fine.
The presiding Judge adjourned the matter until October 31, 2025, for the possible adoption of settlement terms or the delivery of judgment.
Broader Regulatory Climate
The $32.8 million fine is part of a series of regulatory challenges Meta has faced in Nigeria. In 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) levied a separate $220 million fine, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) imposed a $37.5 million penalty, underscoring the government’s increasing oversight of multinational tech companies in the country.
