Things are heating up between Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, and Nigerian regulators. This situation, if not de-escalated immediately, could see millions of Nigerians lose access to their favorite social media platforms.
Meta is threatening to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria following a hefty $220 million fine imposed on it by the Nigerian government. This fine wasn’t imposed by an agency but a joint move between the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC)
According to the agencies, Meta has broken data privacy laws and violated consumer rights, especially through how it handles user information on Facebook and WhatsApp.
Meta has expressed disappointment, describing the fines as “unrealistic.” They have now threatened to exit the country to avoid any legal troubles. That means no more Facebook or Instagram — Just like that?
Even with Meta threatening to leave Nigeria, the FCCPC isn’t backing down either. They’ve replied that Meta’s exit won’t cancel their debt. In other words, even if Meta leaves, they’ll still owe Nigeria the money.
Nigerians have reacted to the pandemonium between the government and Meta, and here’s what they are saying: If Meta exits Nigeria:
In a swift conversation with TechCabal, Victor Gbenga Afolabi, Founder of Markhack, highlighted the underlying effects Meta will have on Nigerians and Nigeria if they exit the country.
He noted that a lot of Nigerians who earn on the content space will be stranded as they would lose access to Facebook and Instagram where they easily pull up millions of followers, unlike other platforms where it difficult to amase that amount of followers, adding that, there is no upside to Meta exiting the country.
Victor believed that the regulators would do what is right for the Nigerian space and would ensure that Meta does not leave.
“I’m a fan believer in the fact that the regulators would do what is right for the Nigerian space, but will also ensure they do not leave”
He further added that big global technology brands, like Meta, not only come to make money in the market, but they also come to equip, to create wealth and upskill the people. They help build the ecosystem of the country because they are a lot more ahead, technology-wise.
He concluded that Meta’s exit from the country will have a major disadvantage because businesses and content creators who rely on these platforms would take a major hit.
This drama is part of a bigger global trend: governments trying to regulate big tech companies, especially when it comes to how they handle user data and follow local laws.
So for now, Nigerians are watching closely. Will Meta stay and settle things? Or will they walk away from one of their biggest African markets?
