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The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) has upheld the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp LLC, by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for engaging in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
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Delivering judgment in Abuja on Friday, the three-member tribunal panel led by Hon. Thomas Okosun ruled that the FCCPC acted lawfully and within its constitutional powers. The panel also awarded the Commission $35,000 to cover the cost of its 38-month-long investigation, which began in 2020 in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
The case stems from alleged breaches in Meta and WhatsApp’s privacy practices, data handling policies, and consumer engagement standards, which the FCCPC deemed non-compliant with Nigerian law.
The tech giants had appealed the FCCPC’s Final Order issued in July 2024, which found them liable for anti-competitive conduct and unfair business practices. However, the Tribunal dismissed the appeal in its entirety—except for Order 7, which was set aside due to insufficient legal grounding.
“The FCCPC afforded Meta and WhatsApp a fair hearing and ample opportunity to respond during the course of the investigation,” the tribunal ruled. “Its findings and orders were in line with its statutory powers under Section 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.”
The judgment validates the FCCPC’s authority to regulate consumer protection and data privacy, even in sectors that are already under regulatory oversight.
Reacting to the ruling, FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO Mr. Tunji Bello praised the commission’s legal team for their diligence and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting consumer rights in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“This ruling sends a clear message that no company—no matter how large—can operate above Nigerian law,” Bello stated.
In a post-judgment statement, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, Director of Corporate Affairs at the FCCPC, reiterated the Commission’s resolve to hold multinational corporations accountable for their actions in Nigeria’s digital space.
The legal team for Meta and WhatsApp was led by Professor Gbolahan Elias, while Mr. Babatunde Irukera represented the FCCPC.
