The Newspaper Proprietors’s Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has expressed support for the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) upholding the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Incorporated, owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
The fine, issued after a 30-month investigation by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), was based on findings of unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users. NPAN described the tribunal’s decision as a significant step in enforcing digital accountability and protecting citizens’ rights in the online space.
Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Sunday, NPAN’s president, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, and general secretary, Mrs. Angela Emuwa, emphasized the importance of adherence to local laws by global tech companies operating within Nigeria. They noted that respect for national sovereignty must extend to the digital space, where citizens’ rights and interests deserve the same legal protection as in other sectors. NPAN further highlighted that Meta’s threat to shut down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria in reaction to the fine underscores the challenges of digital governance in developing economies.
The association pointed out that the CCPT ruling mirrors a global trend of heightened regulatory scrutiny on tech giants. It cited similar actions in Europe, including a €1.2 billion fine imposed on Meta by Ireland in 2023 for breaching the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a €746 million penalty against Amazon in 2021 by Luxembourg for similar violations. Other companies like TikTok, Google, and Apple have also faced regulatory penalties in recent years over data protection and competition law breaches.
Reaffirming its commitment to civil rights, media freedom, and fair regulation, NPAN called for stronger digital governance frameworks in Nigeria. It advocated for continuous collaboration among government bodies, civil society, industry stakeholders, and the public to ensure ethical and lawful operation of digital platforms. The group also stressed the need to protect publishers’ digital rights and intellectual property, while fostering innovation and public trust in Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.