Nigerians celebrated the country’s historic $32.8 million data settlement with Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The agreement marks a defining moment in Africa’s digital regulatory landscape, the first time an African nation has compelled a global tech giant to comply with its data protection laws.
In the video report, officials from the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) describe the ruling as a milestone for national data sovereignty and user privacy. The footage also features citizens sharing their experiences and growing concerns about personal data being harvested for targeted advertising without consent.
The NDPC imposed the fine on Meta in February 2025 for alleged violations of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 — legislation that established a comprehensive legal framework for safeguarding personal data and empowered the Commission to enforce compliance across all entities, including those based outside Nigeria.
This development reinforces Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in digital rights enforcement and signals a new era of accountability for multinational technology companies operating across Africa.
View the full video report below;
[This current affairs report item is provided as part of Broadcast Media Africa (BMA)’s mandate to keep Africa’s broadcast media audiences and stakeholders informed on international developments in local and global humanitarian and public service broadcasting.]