The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and CEO of Meta Platforms Incorporated (owners of Facebook), to immediately pay the $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal.
In a letter dated April 26, 2025, and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP also urged Meta to provide justice and effective remedies for victims of violations of Nigeria’s consumer protection, data privacy laws, and international human rights standards. The organization further demanded payment of an additional $35,000 awarded by the Tribunal to cover the FCCPC’s investigation costs.
SERAP pressed Meta to halt all violations identified by the Tribunal, ensure they do not recur, and hold those responsible accountable.
Last Friday, the Tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s $220 million penalty against Meta for grave breaches of consumer rights and data protection laws in Nigeria.
SERAP emphasized that as Meta’s top executive, Zuckerberg is responsible for ensuring the company upholds human rights due diligence, transparency, and accountability in its operations in Nigeria.
“The Tribunal’s ruling confirms that Meta’s activities have violated Nigerians’ rights and have created a chilling effect on the use of its platforms. These violations could persist unless adequately addressed,” the statement read.
SERAP warned Zuckerberg against appealing the Tribunal’s decision under Section 55 of the FCCP Act, urging him not to prolong the suffering of affected Nigerians.
The group also pointed out that Meta’s operations have fallen short of international human rights obligations, including the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Giving Meta a seven-day ultimatum to comply, SERAP vowed to take legal action both nationally and internationally if Meta fails to pay the fine and offer appropriate remedies.
“Our demands are made in the public interest and in accordance with Nigeria’s Constitution, the FCCP Act, and international human rights standards,” Oluwadare stated.
SERAP reiterated that companies operating in Nigeria are obligated to respect human rights, avoid contributing to abuses, and provide effective redress for any harm caused. It reminded Meta of its duty to protect users’ privacy, ensure data security, and handle data in compliance with global human rights laws.
Citing sections of the FCCP Act, SERAP noted that victims are entitled to compensation for the harm suffered and that Tribunal judgments are binding and enforceable by the Federal High Court.
The Tribunal’s ruling, announced on April 25, 2025, followed a 38-month investigation led jointly by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) into Meta’s privacy practices, consumer data policies, and alleged exploitative behavior against Nigerian users.
