Chukwu Obinna 
National Commissioner, NDPC, Vincent Olatunji
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has justified its $220 million fine against Meta Platforms, owners of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, insisting the sanction is vital to protect Nigerians’ data and ensure compliance with national laws.
National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr Vincent Olatunji, speaking in Abuja on Friday, said the penalty, announced earlier this month by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), was not punitive but necessary for accountability.
“We are not out to punish any company, but institutions that refuse to comply with Nigerian law will face consequences,” Olatunji stressed.
He explained that Meta’s breaches in handling user data prompted collaboration among multiple agencies to ensure thorough investigation and effective remedies. Olatunji emphasised that protecting personal information is central to Nigeria’s digital governance.
“The future of government is digital, but its success rests on trust. Privacy is the foundation of that trust,” he declared.
The NDPC chief urged both public and private institutions to adopt global best practices in data protection to secure Nigeria’s digital economy. He said the government’s priority is building a citizen-centric digital nation where innovation and trust go hand in hand.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
