NDPC Seeks Amicable Resolution with Meta Over $220 Million Data Breach Dispute
The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) says it is prioritising dialogue over confrontation as it seeks to resolve a long-running data breach dispute with Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.
Speaking at a one-day intensive workshop for data protection officers (DPOS) in Abuja on Monday, Vincent Olatunji, the NDPC’s chief executive officer and national commissioner, said the commission is adopting a collaborative approach to address the matter.
“Our new approach is partnership. We are working with them to see if we can resolve the issue,” Olatunji said. “We don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. What we do today is to look at the issues — what do we need to resolve, and are they willing to do what is right?”
The row stems from a $220 million fine levied against Meta in 2024 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), following a joint investigation with the NDPC. The probe examined Meta’s data privacy practices between May 2021 and December 2023, citing multiple violations.
Meta, through WhatsApp, has vowed to appeal the fine and threatened to exit the Nigerian market — a move that could impact millions of users. That threat escalated after the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal upheld the penalty on April 25, prompting Meta to double down, warning of a possible shutdown of Facebook and Instagram operations in the country.
Despite the tensions, Olatunji remains optimistic. “Even when you go to work, you see that there’s a right way to resolve issues. So, I’m sure we’re going to resolve it,” he told attendees.
In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection ecosystem, the NDPC also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with global payment giant Mastercard at the event. The partnership aims to boost capacity development and enhance compliance across sectors.
Olatunji highlighted the federal government’s commitment to increasing the number of certified data protection officers, noting that Nigeria’s youthful, tech-savvy population is well-positioned to lead in the digital economy.
“This workshop is not just beneficial for Mastercard, but also for Nigeria,” he added. “We have young people who are digital natives and eager to explore this space.”
