Meta Platforms Inc. and the Nigerian government have reached an out-of-court agreement regarding a $32.8 million fine imposed by the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The fine, issued in February 2025, stemmed from claims that Meta had violated Nigeria’s Data Protection Act by engaging in behavioural advertising on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, without obtaining explicit consent from Nigerian users before transferring their data outside the country.

In addition to the financial penalty, the NDPC had mandated Meta to revise its privacy policies, secure user consent for behavioural advertising, conduct a data privacy impact assessment, and cease unauthorized international data transfers. Meta, however, initially contested the NDPC’s findings and the process, citing a denial of a fair hearing.

On Friday, October 3, 2025, Fred Onwuobia, Meta’s lawyer, confirmed that both parties were in advanced stages of settling the dispute, emphasizing that a court ruling at that juncture could impede ongoing negotiations. This statement was corroborated by Adeola Adedipe, the NDPC’s lawyer, who also acknowledged the progress in settlement discussions. Consequently, the presiding judge, James Omotosho, adjourned the case to October 31, 2025, for either a final ruling or the adoption of the settlement terms.

This settlement marks one of three substantial fines Meta has encountered from Nigerian regulators since 2024. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) had previously levied a $220 million fine, which Meta indicated could jeopardize its operations in Nigeria. Furthermore, the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) had issued a separate $37.5 million fine against the company. While the cases with the FCCPC and ARCON remain unresolved, this latest development suggests Meta's commitment to maintaining its presence in Nigeria and potentially pursuing similar resolutions with other regulatory bodies. The out-of-court agreement is seen as a significant precedent for how other technology companies may navigate Nigeria's evolving regulatory landscape.