September 26, 2025 | Abuja
The Federal Government has clarified that its sanction against Meta Platforms Inc., operators of Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Messenger, and Threads, was aimed at enforcing compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws and global best practices.
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), stated this on Friday in Abuja during a Training for DevsInGovernment programme themed “Innovating with Privacy: Building Trust in Government Digital Services.”
The clarification comes after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) slammed a *$220 million fine on Meta* for alleged breaches of data privacy.
“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” Olatunji said.
FG Seeks Stronger Oversight of Meta’s Data Practices
Olatunji explained that probing Meta’s operations required a multi-agency approach to guarantee a detailed investigation and appropriate resolution mechanisms. He stressed that the government is particularly worried about how the data of Nigerian citizens is being collected and managed both locally and internationally.
“In so doing, we also consider the economic values for the citizens and the country, and we want the global best standards and practices to be entrenched here,” he noted.
Training to Build Digital Trust in Government Services
The NDPC boss highlighted that the federal government is investing in equipping workers across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) with digital knowledge and skills to strengthen digital governance and trust in public services.
According to him, protecting citizens’ data is key to driving innovation in government services and businesses.
“The future of government is digital, but the success of digital governance will depend on one thing above all: trust. Trust and privacy are the foundation of that trust,” Olatunji said.
A Call for Collective Action on Digital Privacy
He further emphasized that securing Nigeria’s digital future requires collaboration between government, private sector, civil society, and citizens.
“Deploying trusted digital services is not a task for government alone. Together, we can build a citizen-centric, innovative digital nation that others will look to as a model of trust and progress,” he added. GMTNewsng
