The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has expressed strong support for the $220 million fine imposed on Meta Platforms Incorporated by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), which was recently upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT).
In a statement jointly signed by its President, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, and General Secretary, Angela Emuwa, NPAN described the tribunal’s ruling as a landmark development in Nigeria’s pursuit of digital accountability and consumer protection.
The association said the decision reflects a growing global consensus that digital platforms must adhere to national regulations, particularly in areas involving data protection and fair competition.
“The CCPT’s ruling marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to enforce digital accountability and safeguard the rights of citizens in the digital age,” the statement read.
NPAN noted that the fine followed a 30-month investigation by the FCCPC between 2021 and 2023, which found Meta—the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram—guilty of unauthorised data sharing and discriminatory practices against Nigerian users.
It stressed that as digital platforms grow more influential in shaping economies and societies, compliance with local laws must be non-negotiable. The association argued that respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty should extend to the digital space, where citizens’ rights must be protected with the same intensity as in traditional spheres.
NPAN also pointed out that the CCPT’s decision aligns with international trends. It cited similar actions taken by regulators around the world, including a €1.2 billion fine imposed on Meta by Ireland in 2023 for violating the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Other tech giants like Amazon, TikTok, Google, and Apple have also faced penalties in recent years for data breaches and anti-trust violations.
“As an association committed to civil rights, media freedom, and the public good, NPAN supports the fair and transparent enforcement of laws governing the digital economy,” the statement added.
The group reaffirmed its advocacy for the digital rights of publishers, including fair compensation for content use and protection of intellectual property in an increasingly complex digital environment.
NPAN concluded by urging continued collaboration among government agencies, civil society, industry stakeholders, and the public to strengthen Nigeria’s digital regulatory framework.
“Such collaboration is vital to ensuring that digital platforms operate ethically, responsibly, and in accordance with Nigeria’s legal and social norms. Strengthening regulation will not only protect citizens’ rights but also promote innovation and trust in our growing digital economy,” it stated.
Nzubechukwu Eze.
