“You can’t run away” – FCCPC Warns WhatsApp over reports it might leave Nigeria

Are you aware that WhatsApp’s parent Company META who also owns Facebook, Instagram & Threads might leave Nigeria?

The company is threatening to pull WhatsApp from Nigeria after a $220M fine from The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) who has issued a firm statement cautioning Meta Platforms Inc. that a potential exit from Nigeria will not shield it from liability for past and ongoing violations of Nigerian law.

This follows reports that WhatsApp may withdraw its services from Nigeria in response to a recent FCCPC enforcement order. The Commission, however, described the move as a “calculated attempt” to provoke public backlash and pressure the agency into reversing its decision.

Quitting Nigeria Does Not Absolve Meta of Liability

WhatsApp's claim that it may be forced to exit Nigeria due to FCCPC's recent order appears to be a calculated move aimed at inducing negative public reaction and potentially pressuring the FCCPC to reconsider its decision.… pic.twitter.com/YdMzuQN4eq

— FCCPC Nigeria (@fccpcnigeria) May 3, 2025

According to the FCCPC, Meta and WhatsApp—referred to as the “Meta Parties”—were investigated for alleged violations of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The investigation uncovered multiple breaches, including:

• Denial of Nigerian users’ rights to control their personal data
• Unauthorized transfer and sharing of Nigerian user data
• Discriminatory practices compared to users in other countries
• Abuse of market dominance through unfair privacy policies

In a pointed reference to Meta’s global track record, the Commission noted that the company had been fined $1.5 billion in Texas and $1.3 billion in the European Union for similar violations. It also highlighted penalties faced by Meta in India, South Korea, France, and Australia—none of which prompted threats to exit those markets.

“Meta never resorted to the blackmail of threatening to exit those countries. They obeyed,” the statement read.

The FCCPC’s position was recently affirmed by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld its final order requiring Meta to comply with Nigerian data and consumer protection laws. The order directs Meta to cease exploitative practices, align its policies with Nigerian standards, and uphold user rights in line with global best practices.

In closing, the Commission made it clear that Meta cannot escape legal consequences through a withdrawal from the Nigerian market.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the FCCPC remains committed in its pursuit of consumer protection and data privacy towards ensuring a fairer digital market in Nigeria,”

the statement concluded.