Following Meta Platforms Inc.’s warning that it might halt its operations in Nigeria, social media users across the country are now strongly advocating for the development of homegrown networking platforms.
Meta, the parent company of popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, issued a threat to shut down its Facebook and Instagram services in Nigeria after a tribunal upheld a significant $220 million fine against the company last year.
In separate interviews conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, numerous users expressed the view that establishing indigenous platforms would simplify the enforcement of regulations and data protection within the country.
Mr. Moses Atuegwu, a regular WhatsApp user, described Meta’s exit threat as “uncalled for,” especially considering the substantial Nigerian user base. He argued, “We cannot continue to be controlled by these foreign platforms. We should have an alternative that is indigenous based.”
Ms. Pearl Adekunle, who uses both WhatsApp and Instagram, believes that homegrown platforms would enable Nigeria to better scrutinize online content while simultaneously boosting local technology and the economy.
She pointed out, “China and Russia have their own indigenous social media platforms, and this enhances the data protection policy of their governments. Nothing stops Nigeria from adopting the same to promote and advance indigenous technologies.”
Esther Indiana-Obong, a Facebook subscriber, suggested that creating indigenous platforms would not only foster competition and innovation within Nigeria’s IT sector but also reduce the nation’s reliance on foreign brands.
Alhaji Aminu Zakari, another social media user, highlighted that a local platform would empower the government to regulate social media more effectively.
Meta’s threat came after the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal’s decision in July 2024 to uphold a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC for breaches of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR). The tribunal also mandated Meta to cover $35,000 in investigation costs.
According to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), Meta’s violations include denying Nigerians control over their personal data, unauthorized transfer of user data, discriminatory practices against Nigerian users compared to those in other regions, and the abuse of its dominant market position through unfair privacy policies.
The FCCPC has characterized Meta’s exit threat as a calculated tactic to pressure the commission.
