The Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) has applauded the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) upholding a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram.
The fine, imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), followed a 30-month probe into Meta’s alleged unauthorized data sharing and discriminatory practices targeting Nigerian users. NPAN described the judgment as a “significant milestone” in Nigeria’s pursuit of digital accountability and citizen rights protection in the evolving digital age.
In a joint statement signed by President Mal. Kabiru A. Yusuf and General Secretary Mrs. Angela Emuwa, NPAN emphasized that digital giants operating in Nigeria must respect the country’s laws, underscoring that national sovereignty extends into the virtual realm.
“This judgment mirrors a growing global stance where governments are taking bold steps to curb the excesses of tech giants,” NPAN stated, citing similar sanctions issued against Meta and other companies across Europe for data protection violations and anti-competitive behavior.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to civil rights, press freedom, and the protection of intellectual property in Nigeria’s digital landscape. It called for continued vigilance and collaboration among regulators, tech companies, civil society, and the public to ensure responsible digital governance.
NPAN also urged stakeholders to bolster Nigeria’s digital regulatory framework to support innovation while maintaining public trust.
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