Meta, NDPC Set to Finalize $32.8m Data Privacy Settlement November 3
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms Inc., parent company of Facebook and Instagram, are set to adopt their terms of settlement on November 3, 2025, in what is arguably Nigeria’s most consequential data privacy dispute to date.
The case, centered on a $32.8 million data privacy sanction imposed by the NDPC, has drawn attention from regulators, global tech giants, and data rights advocates worldwide, as it tests the implementation strength of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, fixed the date after both parties informed the court of their progress toward an amicable resolution.
Background: NDPC vs. Meta—The $32.8 Million Question
In February 2025, the NDPC levied a $32.8 million remedial fee and issued eight corrective orders against Meta, alleging violations of Nigerian users’ data privacy rights through its behavioural advertising practices on Facebook and Instagram.
The commission argued that Meta’s data processing activities breached national privacy standards under the NDPA, particularly concerning user consent and profiling for ad targeting.
Meta, in response, filed a judicial review suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025) challenging the regulator’s authority and seeking to quash the sanctions. Represented by Fred Onuobia, SAN, the tech giant contended that the NDPC’s orders were procedurally flawed and disproportionate.
Settlement Over Litigation: A Turning Point for Tech Regulation
After months of legal maneuvering, both sides opted for a negotiated settlement rather than prolonged litigation.
“We are pleased to inform the court that both parties have reached an advanced stage of settlement,” Meta’s counsel told the court, apologizing for filing the terms of agreement later than scheduled.
Justice Omotosho, however, deferred formal adoption until November 3, insisting on reviewing the settlement documents thoroughly before endorsement.
“I must read the terms carefully. There are cases where items outside the claims are added into settlements. I must ensure due process,” he stated.
The NDPC’s lead counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, confirmed the progress, commending the court’s flexibility in prioritizing dialogue over judgment.
Data Privacy at a Crossroads: Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Economy
The NDPC–Meta dispute has emerged as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s digital regulation landscape. It underscores the country’s growing resolve to enforce compliance by multinational tech firms operating within its jurisdiction—especially regarding user consent, cross-border data transfer, and transparency in data monetization.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, mandates strict oversight of data controllers and processors handling Nigerian citizens’ information. The NDPC’s bold enforcement action against Meta demonstrates the regulator’s intent to assert local digital sovereignty and build public trust in the country’s tech ecosystem.
“The NDPC’s decision sends a message: global tech platforms must align with Nigerian privacy standards or face real consequences,” noted a BRANDECONOMY analyst.
Should the settlement hold, it could set a precedent for regulatory cooperation between Nigeria and other global digital actors—shifting from punitive confrontation to constructive compliance partnerships.
Inside the Regulatory Playbook: Lessons from the Meta Case
The NDPC’s enforcement approach mirrors global trends, from the EU’s GDPR fines to emerging African data protection regimes. By balancing enforcement with engagement, the Commission is positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in privacy governance.
Observers believe the case outcome will shape future interactions between regulators and major tech firms like Google, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), all of which process massive volumes of Nigerian user data.
“This is Nigeria’s Cambridge Analytica moment,” one legal expert told BRANDECONOMY. “It’s a chance to prove that data protection isn’t a paper policy but a pillar of national economic sovereignty.”
BRANDECONOMY Insight: The Business of Data and Trust
At its core, the Meta–NDPC saga reflects the global tension between innovation and regulation. For Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy—projected to contribute over 18% to GDP by 2026—maintaining a delicate balance between data-driven business growth and consumer trust is vital.
If properly managed, this settlement could unlock a new era of co-regulation, where Big Tech aligns with African privacy laws while fostering responsible digital inclusion.
It also reinforces the NDPC’s growing reputation as a credible, modern regulator—one capable of defending citizens’ rights without stifling innovation.
The final adoption of terms on November 3, 2025, will therefore be more than a legal formality; it could define how data governance and business accountability will evolve across Nigeria and the African continent.
