Meta Threatens to Shut Down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria After Hefty Fine

Meta is facing a major crisis in Nigeria after a local appeals court last week rejected its challenge against a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission over alleged violations of user data privacy.

In an official statement reported by Agence France-Presse (AFP), Meta confirmed it "will continue to pursue all available legal avenues" but warned that it may be forced to shut down Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria — a move that threatens to deprive Africa’s most populous nation of two of its most widely used social media platforms

According to court documents and media reports, Meta has until the end of June to pay the fine or face further legal consequences, potentially including suspension of its operations in the country.

Global Regulatory Pressures and a Pattern of Precedent

The Commission noted that the fine followed investigations revealing "practices violating the rights of data owners/users," emphasizing that Meta had faced similar sanctions in jurisdictions like Texas, South Korea, and France — but had never previously threatened to exit those markets as it is now doing with Nigeria.

This escalation comes at a time when major tech firms are under increased international scrutiny, coinciding with the widening global trade tensions that have also impacted markets such as Japan and Germany.

The Commission labeled Meta’s threat to leave Nigeria as an "unacceptable attempt at public pressure," asserting it has no bearing on the company’s legal responsibility.

This unfolding standoff adds to growing uncertainty about the future of big tech companies in emerging markets, especially as Nigeria’s internet user base surpassed 164 million as of March 2025, making it a critical arena for any global digital platform.