As Meta faces a $290.3 million penalty in Nigeria, civil society group, Techsocietal, has urged caution from all sides.
The 60-day deadline for Meta and WhatsApp to pay fines imposed by Nigeria’s Competition Tribunal is fast approaching.
Techsocietal, through its Executive Director, Temitope Ogundipe, warned that the standoff risks harming vulnerable users.
Ogundipe said the dispute marks a turning point in platform regulation and digital rights across the Global South.
She noted Meta sees Nigeria’s regulatory demands as unrealistic and potentially damaging to its business interests.
However, Nigeria insists on its right to regulate powerful digital platforms operating within its borders.
Ogundipe stressed that citizens must not be collateral damage in this clash between profit and policy.
“Millions rely on platforms like Facebook and Instagram for business, connection, and survival,” she stated in a press release.
She warned that Meta’s potential exit could harm entrepreneurs, activists, and marginalized communities.
Techsocietal said digital access is no longer a luxury but a basic right tied to survival and expression.
Ogundipe questioned Meta’s long-term commitment to African users if profit is the only factor keeping it in Nigeria.
She also asked if Nigeria’s model of platform regulation genuinely protects users or leans toward enforcement overreach.
The group called for a balanced approach—one that safeguards rights while ensuring corporate accountability.
“Regulation must be protective, not extractive. Governance must center people, not just penalties,” she said.
Techsocietal wants greater transparency from both Meta and Nigerian regulators during this critical period.
They urged inclusive dialogue to prevent disruption to Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The group said it supports policies that put people first and defend users’ rights in digital governance.
This comes as Meta faces mounting penalties from multiple Nigerian regulators over data and ad policy violations.
The FCCPC fined Meta and WhatsApp $220 million for discriminatory practices, plus $35,000 for investigative costs.
Other fines include N60 billion ($37.5 million) from the Advertising Regulatory Council and $32.8 million from the Data Commission.
Meta said in court filings that these penalties may force it to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria.
The company warned that it may suspend services to avoid harsher enforcement actions from Nigerian authorities.
Techsocietal concluded that Nigeria must build a digital future where rights, revenues, and responsibilities are fairly shared.
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