The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has affirmed the $220 million fine levied against Meta Platforms Inc. by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The tribunal also awarded the commission $35,000 to cover the costs of its investigation.
According to the FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the tribunal found that the commission acted within the bounds of its legal authority under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and properly executed its mandate. The tribunal further ruled that the commission rightly identified multiple violations by Meta and its subsidiary, WhatsApp, and that its findings were legally sound.
The fine was imposed after a 38-month joint investigation initiated by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into the conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies of Meta Platforms and WhatsApp. The commission concluded that the companies engaged in discriminatory and exploitative practices against Nigerian consumers.
Meta and WhatsApp had appealed to the Tribunal, challenging both the legal basis and the findings of the Commission. However, the Tribunal resolved Issues 1 to 7 largely in favour of the FCCPC, dismissing the appellants’ objections to the Commission’s findings, orders, and legal competence.
The Tribunal affirmed that the FCCPC fully discharged its quasi-judicial responsibilities by affording the appellants ample opportunity to respond and found no violation of constitutional due process. The Tribunal also held that the FCCPC acted within its statutory mandate, reaffirming its authority under Section 104 of the FCCPA to regulate competition and consumer protection even in regulated industries.
FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Tunji Bello, expressed delight at the landmark judgment, restating the commission’s commitment to championing the rights of Nigerian consumers and ensuring fair business practices in the country.
