The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has welcomed the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal’s (CCPT) decision to uphold a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram.
The penalty follows a 30-month investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which found Meta guilty of unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users between 2021 and 2023.
In a statement released on May 2, 2025, NPAN described the ruling as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s push for digital accountability and stronger protections for citizens in the online space. The association emphasised that global tech giants must comply with local laws and respect national sovereignty, even in the digital domain.
NPAN noted that Nigeria’s action aligns with global regulatory trends, where authorities are increasingly penalising major tech firms for data breaches and anti-competitive behavior. In 2023, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission fined Meta €1.2 billion for illegally transferring EU user data to the US without proper safeguards. Similarly, Amazon faced a*€746 million penalty in Luxembourg (2021), while TikTok, Google and Apple have also been sanctioned at different times for similar violations.
As a key advocate for media freedom and consumer rights, NPAN reaffirmed its support for transparent and fair enforcement of digital economy laws. The association stressed the need to protect publishers’ rights, ensure fair compensation for content, and safeguard intellectual property in an evolving digital landscape.
NPAN stated. “We urge sustained collaboration among regulators, civil society, and industry stakeholders to ensure ethical and lawful operations by tech platforms in Nigeria.”
The ruling highlights Nigeria’s growing regulatory stance on data privacy and consumer protection. NPAN called for continued efforts to strengthen oversight, fostering both innovation and trust in the country’s digital economy.
The statement was jointly signed by NPAN President Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf and General Secretary Mrs. Angela Emuwa, reinforcing the association’s commitment to civil rights and responsible digital governance.
As Nigeria joins other nations in holding tech giants accountable, this ruling sets a precedent for future regulatory actions in Africa’s largest digital market.