The parent company of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram — Meta Platforms Inc. — has issued a warning that it may suspend its services in Nigeria following a growing dispute with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) over a hefty fine and compliance demands.
According to a spokesperson for WhatsApp who spoke with TechCabal, the messaging platform could be forced to shut down in Nigeria, citing technical limitations tied to the FCCPC’s latest directives.
The spokesperson stated, “We want to be really clear that technically, based on the order, it would be impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria or globally.”
The disagreement centers on a $220 million fine imposed on Meta by the Nigerian consumer protection agency, alongside demands that Meta adjust its operations to meet certain regulatory conditions.
The exact nature of the violations remains undisclosed, but sources suggest the fine relates to alleged data privacy breaches and anti-competitive practices.
Responding to the threat of withdrawal, a spokesperson for the FCCPC posted on social media, accusing WhatsApp of attempting to pressure the commission into backing down.
The official advised Meta to reconsider its stance, adding that exiting the Nigerian market is not a constructive solution to the ongoing disagreement.
The FCCPC emphasized that its mandate is to protect Nigerian consumers and ensure compliance with fair competition laws, and insisted that all companies — local or foreign — must adhere to Nigerian regulations.
If Meta follows through on its threat, it would mark a significant disruption to Nigeria’s digital and social media space, where millions rely on Meta’s platforms for communication, business, and information sharing. Negotiations between both parties are reportedly ongoing.
