BREAKING: Tribunal upholds FCCPC’s $220m fine against Meta

The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC.

The ruling affirms the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) under Nigerian law.

The Tribunal delivered its judgment Friday April 25, 2025, dismissing Meta’s appeal against the July 2024 final order issued by the FCCPC.

The decision confirmed the Commission’s authority, investigative thoroughness, and procedural compliance in handling the case.

Meta and WhatsApp faced accusations of data privacy violations and exploitative practices in Nigeria’s digital space.

A joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) uncovered those breaches.

The investigation, which lasted 38 months, began in 2020 and scrutinised the companies’ policies and digital conduct.

The Tribunal, led by Honourable Thomas Okosun, ruled in favour of the FCCPC on six out of seven contested issues.

It also awarded the Commission $35,000 to cover investigative costs.

One key issue was Meta’s claim of a denied fair hearing.

The Tribunal ruled that the company had sufficient opportunity to defend itself and suffered no due process violation.

On the Commission’s right to regulate data protection matters, the Tribunal upheld its authority.

It cited Section 104 of the FCCPA, affirming that FCCPC can enforce consumer rights in regulated sectors.

The Tribunal also upheld findings on the companies’ privacy policies.

It found those policies inconsistent with Nigerian laws and harmful to users’ rights.

However, the Tribunal set aside one aspect of the FCCPC’s Final Order—Order 7—due to insufficient legal grounds.

Despite that, the overall judgment strongly supported the Commission’s actions.

FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, hailed the ruling as a landmark victory.

He said the judgment reinforces Nigeria’s capacity to protect its citizens in the digital marketplace.

Bello praised the Commission’s legal team led by Mr. Babatunde Irukera for their diligence and professionalism.

He pledged that the FCCPC would continue safeguarding consumer rights and market integrity.

Meta and WhatsApp were represented by Professor Gbolahan Elias (SAN) during the appeal process.

Final arguments in the matter were heard on January 28, 2025.

With this ruling, Nigeria reasserts its authority over powerful tech giants in a fast-changing digital economy.

The FCCPC now stands stronger in its mission to ensure corporate accountability and fair competition nationwide.

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