Meta threatens to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria over regulatory disputes

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has warned it may suspend its services in Nigeria due to hefty fines and “unrealistic” demands from regulators. Last year, Nigerian authorities fined Meta over $290 million for alleged violations, including anti-competitive practices, unauthorized ads, and data privacy breaches.

A federal court rejected Meta’s appeal, giving it until June to pay the fines. The company claims complying with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission’s (NDPC) rules—such as seeking approval before transferring user data out of Nigeria—is impractical.

Meta also disputes requirements to display government-approved educational content on data privacy risks.

Facebook is Nigeria’s most popular social platform, vital for communication, news, and small businesses.

If Meta follows through, millions could lose access. Regulators argue Meta’s practices endanger user privacy, but the company insists their interpretation of data laws is flawed.

With no resolution yet, Nigeria faces a potential social media blackout, while Meta risks losing a key market. The standoff highlights growing tensions between global tech firms and African regulators.