FG backs $220m penalty on Meta for mishandling Nigerians’ data

The Federal Government has defended its decision to impose a $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc. over alleged violations of Nigeria’s data protection laws. Meta, the owner of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, is accused of mishandling the personal data of Nigerian users.

NDPC explains rationale

Vincent Olatunji, the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), explained the move in Abuja during a DevsInGovernment training session titled Innovating with Privacy: Building Trust in Government Digital Services.

“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” he said.

According to Olatunji, the sanction followed a multi-agency investigation carried out by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) in collaboration with other regulatory bodies. The review examined Meta’s data handling practices in Nigeria.

Protecting citizens’ data

Olatunji emphasised the government’s concern about how Nigerians’ personal information is collected, stored, and managed.

“We are concerned about how citizens’ data is collected and managed—both within and outside Nigeria,” he said. “Our goal is to ensure global best practices are adopted while protecting the rights of Nigerians.”

He added that strengthening data governance is a priority as Nigeria advances towards a digital economy. “The future of government is digital, but its success depends on trust—and privacy is the foundation of that trust,” Olatunji noted.

Building a digital nation

The DevsInGovernment initiative, where Olatunji spoke, seeks to equip civil servants across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies with the skills to create secure and privacy-focused digital services.

Olatunji stressed that safeguarding data is not just a legal obligation but also a strategic necessity for building a digital nation centred on citizens’ rights.

“Deploying trusted digital services is not the government’s responsibility alone. It requires collaboration across the public and private sectors, civil society, and citizens,” he said.

The government’s decision signals a clear message to multinational technology companies operating in Nigeria: respect the country’s laws or face consequences.

Call for collaboration

Olatunji urged stronger partnerships in developing a transparent and accountable digital ecosystem. “Deploying trusted digital services is not a task for government alone. It requires collective effort,” he said.