Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is threatening to suspend operations of both platforms in Nigeria. This dramatic move stems from what Meta describes as “unrealistic” regulatory demands and a massive fine totaling nearly $290 million imposed by three different Nigerian government agencies.
According to court filings reviewed by the BBC, Meta has expressed frustration after a failed legal challenge to the penalties. The Nigerian authorities, for their part, insist that the fines must be paid in full by June 2025—setting the stage for a potential clash between one of the world’s biggest tech companies and one of Africa’s largest markets.
The fines relate to alleged violations of local advertising and data regulations. Nigerian agencies have argued that Meta failed to comply with certain guidelines, including placing local content and advertising under stricter oversight. Meta disagrees, calling the demands excessive and incompatible with its global operations.
This isn’t the first time Nigeria has pushed back against big tech. The government previously banned Twitter (now X) for several months in 2021. The country has increasingly taken a firmer stance on digital sovereignty, attempting to force foreign tech platforms to align with its rules or leave entirely.
With tens of millions of Nigerians relying on Facebook and Instagram for communication, commerce, and culture, Meta’s threat could cause a major disruption. As the June deadline approaches, both sides are now on a collision course that could reshape Nigeria’s online space.
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