Meta Tries to Scare Nigeria With WhatsApp Exit, FCCPC Fires Back, Calls It Blackmail

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) isn’t backing down after Meta Platforms Inc. hinted that WhatsApp might leave Nigeria over regulatory crackdowns. In a fiery response, the FCCPC said the threat is nothing more than a ploy to stir public outrage and force the government’s hand.

According to FCCPC spokesperson Ondaje Ijagwu, Meta and WhatsApp, dubbed the “Meta Parties” — are under investigation for serious breaches of Nigerian consumer and data protection laws. These include manipulating user data, enforcing unfair privacy rules, and treating Nigerian users worse than others globally.

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“These violations aren’t hearsay. They’re backed by detailed investigations,” the Commission said, highlighting Meta’s global rap sheet, including billion-dollar fines in the EU and Texas. Yet, despite facing penalties elsewhere, Meta never threatened to pull out — except in Nigeria.

“Obedient abroad, defiant at home,” the FCCPC added, accusing Meta of trying to dodge accountability through scare tactics.

A court has now ordered Meta to adjust its operations in Nigeria to align with local laws and protect users’ data rights. The FCCPC made it clear: quitting Nigeria won’t clear Meta of its violations or halt legal action.

“We won’t compromise on consumer rights or data protection,” the statement concluded.