The Nigerian government and Meta Platforms Inc. are close to reaching an out-of-court settlement in a $32.8 million data protection dispute that has drawn attention to how global tech firms handle user information in emerging markets.
- The Nigerian government and Meta are nearing an out-of-court settlement in a $32.8 million data protection case.
- The case involves accusations of Meta violating the Nigerian Data Protection Act through inappropriate data use and transfers.
- Settlement discussions are advanced, with updates expected by October 31, 2025.
- This settlement could set a significant precedent for data privacy regulations in African markets.
Meta is facing regulatory scrutiny in Nigeria over its data practices. The case, filed in February 2025, accused the social media company of violating Nigeria’s Data Protection Act through behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.”
Regulators alleged that Meta transferred users’ data abroad without approval and failed to obtain explicit consent from Nigerian users.
In addition to the fine, authorities directed the company to revise its privacy policy, conduct a data protection impact assessment, and seek prior approval before transferring user data outside the country.
Meta however denied the allegations, saying the process was flawed and that it had not been granted a fair hearing.
Settlement Talks Underway
At the resumed hearing on Friday, October 3, 2025, Meta’s counsel, Mr. Fred Onwuobia, informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that both parties were in the advanced stages of resolving the dispute. He urged the court to suspend judgment to allow for the conclusion of settlement discussions.
Counsel to the NDPC, Mr. Adeola Adedipe, confirmed the development, stating that negotiations were progressing positively.
Following the submissions, presiding Judge James Omotosho adjourned the matter until October 31, 2025, for possible adoption of settlement terms or delivery of judgment.
Wider Regulatory Challenges in Nigeria
The dispute is part of a broader pattern of regulatory actions against Meta in Nigeria. In 2024, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) issued a $220 million fine, while the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) imposed a $37.5 million penalty over advertising practices.
These actions have underscored the government’s increasing oversight of multinational technology companies operating within the country’s fast-growing digital economy.
Similar Scrutiny in South Africa
Beyond Nigeria, Meta has faced pressure in other parts of Africa. In July 2025, a High Court in South Africa approved a consent order against the company following a lawsuit by The Digital Law Company. The case stemmed from the circulation of explicit content involving schoolchildren on Instagram and WhatsApp, which Meta was accused of being slow to remove.
Under the court order, Meta agreed to shut down more than 60 WhatsApp and Instagram accounts linked to the material and to provide user data, including IP addresses and phone numbers, to assist in identifying those responsible.
Resolution
Industry observers note that the outcome of the case could set a precedent for how multinational technology firms engage with Nigeria’s tightening regulatory environment, particularly in the areas of data protection, privacy, and digital advertising.
