The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has revealed plans to resolve its ongoing data breach dispute with Meta Platforms Inc. through dialogue and collaboration. Vincent Olatunji, the Chief Executive Officer and National Commissioner of NDPC, made the announcement on Monday during a one-day intensive workshop for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) in Abuja.
Olatunji emphasized that the NDPC’s approach moving forward would focus on partnership and engagement, rather than escalating the matter. “Our new approach is partnership. We are working with them to see if we can resolve the issue,” Olatunji stated, highlighting the importance of seeking amicable solutions in such cases.
He further explained, “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 the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) decision to impose a $220 million fine on Meta in 2024. This penalty was a result of multiple data privacy violations by the tech giant across its platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, following a joint investigation with the NDPC. The investigation reviewed Meta’s operations, privacy policies, and practices between May 2021 and December 2023.
In response to the fine, Meta, which owns WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, threatened to exit Nigeria, stating it would appeal the decision. However, on April 25, 2024, the competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s penalty. In reaction, Meta again warned that it might shut down Facebook and Instagram operations in the country.
Despite the tension, Olatunji assured that the NDPC’s priority remained resolving the matter and alleviating public concern. “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 said.
In addition to addressing the dispute, Olatunji also highlighted the NDPC’s efforts to strengthen data protection capabilities in Nigeria. At the workshop, the commission signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mastercard to bolster the country’s data protection infrastructure. Olatunji emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing the number of certified DPOs with the necessary skills to manage data protection effectively.
He also noted that Nigeria’s tech-savvy youth, often referred to as “digital natives,” are poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the country’s data protection landscape.
