FG, Meta Move to Settle $32.8 Million Data Privacy Fine Out of Court

The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), and social media giant Meta Platforms Incorporated are reportedly moving to settle the dispute over the $32.8 million fine imposed on the company for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA).

Both parties have opened discussions aimed at resolving the matter amicably and out of court, months after the NDPC sanctioned Meta and issued eight corrective orders in February 2025.

The NDPC had accused Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, of engaging in several data protection violations, including behavioural advertising without user consent, unauthorised processing of sensitive personal data, and failure to submit mandatory compliance audits.

The Commission also alleged that Meta transferred the data of Nigerian users outside the country without proper authorization and processed information belonging to non-users of its platforms.

Meta challenged the NDPC’s decision in court, arguing that it was denied fair hearing and that the Commission’s process breached constitutional due process.

The company subsequently sought to have the sanction overturned.

However, the latest development suggests a potential compromise, with both sides opting to pursue an out-of-court resolution rather than prolonged litigation.

The NDPC’s $32.8 million fine remains one of the largest privacy sanctions in Nigeria’s history and a major test case for the enforcement of the NDPA, which came into effect in 2023 to strengthen data protection and promote responsible digital practices in the country.

Details of the proposed settlement and the conditions under discussion have not yet been made public, but sources indicate that talks are at an advanced stage, signaling a possible end to the months-long standoff between the regulator and the tech company.