Facebook and Instagram May Go Dark in Nigeria—Here’s Why
Millions of Nigerians could soon lose access to Facebook and Instagram as Meta, the tech giant behind both platforms, faces mounting pressure from local authorities.
According to a recent BBC report, Meta is considering pulling the plug on both apps in Nigeria after clashing with government regulators over hefty fines and what the company describes as “impractical” demands.
In 2023, three regulatory bodies in Nigeria hit Meta with fines exceeding $290 million. The charges stemmed from alleged breaches involving advertising practices, competition rules, and user data handling. A recent attempt by the company to dispute these claims in court didn’t go in its favor.
Now, Meta has warned that unless things change, it may be left with no choice but to suspend operations for Facebook and Instagram in the country to avoid further legal and financial trouble. Interestingly, its messaging platform WhatsApp wasn’t mentioned.
The fines break down as follows:
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$220 million for allegedly restricting fair competition
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$37.5 million for running ads without proper clearance
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$32.8 million for breaching data protection guidelines
One of the biggest sticking points is with Nigeria’s Data Protection Commission, which has asked Meta to get official clearance before transferring user data outside Nigeria. The company says that requirement is simply not workable.
The commission has also asked Meta to create awareness videos—produced with local institutions—on how users’ personal information could be misused, especially in ways that could impact their health or finances. Meta pushed back, saying those demands are unreasonable and based on a flawed understanding of data laws.
As of now, Meta has until the end of June to pay the fines or risk further penalties.
Facebook is one of the most widely used platforms in Nigeria—not just for social connection but also for business and information-sharing. Any disruption could have far-reaching effects on everyday users and the digital economy.
Meta hasn’t issued an official statement yet on what it plans to do next, but the clock is ticking.
