By Oso Abidemi
The Socio Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg to immediately pay the $220 million fine imposed on the company by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), or face legal action.
In a strongly worded letter dated April 26, 2025, signed by SERAP’s deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged Zuckerberg to provide justice and compensation to Nigerians affected by what it described as Meta’s grave violations of consumer rights, data protection, and privacy laws.
Last Friday, Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s fine against Meta after a 38 month investigation revealed discriminatory and exploitative practices by the tech giant.
SERAP also demanded Meta pay an additional $35,000 awarded as investigation costs, halt all identified violations, and ensure the accountability of those responsible.
“The Tribunal’s ruling confirms Meta’s operations in Nigeria have violated human rights and continue to chill free expression,” SERAP said. “You have a duty to ensure transparency, accountability and full respect for Nigerians’ rights.”
SERAP warned Zuckerberg against appealing the judgment, giving Meta seven days to comply or risk further legal steps both nationally and internationally.
“Every company operating in Nigeria has a duty to respect human rights. Meta must remedy the harm it caused and prevent future abuses,” Oluwadare stated.
The $220 million penalty stems from findings that Meta and its subsidiaries, including WhatsApp, engaged in harmful practices against Nigerian consumers, breaching both local and international human rights standards.
