Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is settling a US$32.8 million fine imposed by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
During a recent court session in Abuja, lawyers representing both Meta and the NDPC appeared before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, noting that their discussions regarding a settlement have made significant progress.
This legal dispute stems from a February 2025 ruling by the NDPC, which fined Meta for allegedly mishandling the personal data of Nigerian users without proper consent, breaching cross-border data transfer regulations, and neglecting to submit a compliance assessment.
Meta contends it did not receive a fair hearing during the NDPC’s procedural actions.
The NDPC’s enforcement against Meta is part of a broader effort to ensure adherence to Nigeria’s Data Protection Act.
During last week’s hearing, Meta’s attorney, Fred Onwuobia, requested a postponement of the court’s ruling on outstanding motions, allowing both parties to finalise their talks. He added that “draft terms of settlement have been exchanged.”
NDPC attorney Adeola Adedipe also confirmed the progress made and asked for an adjournment, indicating that they plan to return with a mutual agreement to be ratified as a consent judgment.
Justice Omotosho praised both parties for their focus on dialogue, expressing that the court supports amicable resolutions in such matters. He scheduled the next proceedings for October 31, 2025, at which time they will either adopt the settlement terms or he will issue his ruling.
