The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has praised the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal’s ruling that upheld a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Incorporated and WhatsApp LLC. In a statement released on Friday by FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr. Ondaje Ijagwu, the commission welcomed the decision as a win for consumer protection and regulatory enforcement in Nigeria.
FCCPC’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Tunji Bello, also applauded the commission’s legal team for their thorough work throughout the proceedings. According to the commission, the tribunal ruled in its favor on all seven major issues raised in the appeal, rejecting Meta and WhatsApp’s objections against FCCPC’s decisions and legal standing.
The three-member panel, chaired by Mr. Thomas Okosun, upheld FCCPC’s authority, confirming that the agency acted lawfully under the Constitution and followed all due processes. The tribunal further reinforced the commission’s powers under Section 104 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), confirming its jurisdiction even over companies operating in regulated sectors.
The $220 million fine and an additional $35,000 awarded as investigation costs stemmed from a 38-month joint probe by FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission. The investigation focused on how Meta and WhatsApp handled consumer data and privacy policies.
Meta and WhatsApp had appealed the commission’s order last year, disputing both the legal grounds and the outcome of the investigation. The tribunal’s judgment, however, confirmed the commission’s findings and dismissed the companies’ claims.
FCCPC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting ethical business conduct in Nigeria.
