Meta Seeks Settlement with FG over $32.8m Privacy Fine

Meta Platforms is reportedly negotiating an out-of-court settlement with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) following a $32.8 million fine and compliance orders for alleged breaches of Nigerian users’ data rights

At the Federal High Court in Abuja, both parties informed Justice James Omotosho that settlement discussions were at an advanced stage, with draft terms already exchanged.

The judge adjourned proceedings to October 31, 2025, for either adoption of a consent judgment or a ruling.

NDPC had imposed the fine in February 2025 after a petition accused Facebook and Instagram of deploying behavioural advertising without user consent.

The regulator also cited Meta’s failure to submit a 2022 compliance audit, breaches involving cross-border data transfers, and unlawful processing of non-user data.

Meta contested the sanctions, claiming denial of fair hearing and procedural lapses.

NDPC countered that the company’s filings were incompetent and improperly brought before the court.

At the latest hearing, Meta’s counsel urged caution, noting that an immediate ruling could disrupt ongoing negotiations.

NDPC’s lawyer confirmed progress and asked for more time to conclude settlement terms.

The Commission has recently intensified enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, signed into law in 2023.