The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has revealed plans to resolve the ongoing data breach dispute with Meta Platforms Inc. through dialogue and collaboration, rather than escalating the matter.

The Chief Executive Officer and National Commissioner of the NDPC, Vincent Olatunji, shared the commission’s approach during a one-day intensive workshop for data protection officers (DPOs) held in Abuja on Monday.

“Our new approach is partnership. We are working with them to see if we can resolve the issue,” Olatunji stated. “We don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. What we do today is to look at the issues — what do we need to resolve, and are they willing to do what is right? We have to look at political ways of solving it.”

The dispute stems from a $220 million fine imposed on Meta in 2024 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). 

The fine was issued for multiple data privacy violations, following a joint investigation with the NDPC into Meta’s operations and privacy policies between May 2021 and December 2023.

In response, WhatsApp, a subsidiary of Meta, announced plans to appeal the fine and threatened to exit the Nigerian market. On April 25, the competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s decision, reinforcing the $220 million penalty. However, Meta threatened to shut down Facebook and Instagram operations in Nigeria if the penalty stood.

Further addressing the issue at the workshop, Olatunji reassured the public that plans were in place to resolve the dispute and ease concerns. “Even when you go to work, you see that there’s a right way to resolve issues. So, I’m sure we’re going to resolve it,” he added.

In addition to discussions about the Meta issue, the NDPC signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Mastercard to strengthen data protection capacity in Nigeria. Olatunji emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the number of certified DPOs with the necessary skills to manage data protection effectively.

He also highlighted the importance of the workshop, noting that it would be beneficial to both Nigeria and Mastercard. “We have tech-savvy youths who are digital natives ready to explore,” Olatunji said, underscoring the potential for collaboration and growth in the country’s tech landscape.

  Boluwatife Enome

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