The Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms Inc. are close to settling their $32.8 million legal dispute over alleged violations of data privacy regulations affecting Nigerian users.
At a hearing before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, counsels for both parties confirmed that settlement talks had reached an advanced stage. The judge, who had been due to rule on the NDPC’s preliminary objection to Meta’s suit and Meta’s request to amend its filings, agreed to defer his decision pending the outcome of the negotiations.
Meta’s counsel, Fred Onwuobia (SAN), told the court that “draft terms of settlement have been exchanged,” noting that proceeding with a ruling could jeopardize the talks. NDPC’s lawyer, Adeola Adedipe (SAN), corroborated this, saying discussions had “advanced appreciably” and both sides were optimistic about presenting a consent judgment soon.
Justice Omotosho encouraged the parties to pursue an amicable resolution, emphasizing that the court supports out-of-court settlements in regulatory disputes. The matter was adjourned to October 31, 2025, for either adoption of the settlement or continuation of proceedings.
The case stems from the NDPC’s February 2025 decision imposing a $32.8 million fine on Meta and issuing eight compliance directives after a petition by the Personal Data Protection Awareness Initiative. The Commission accused Meta of conducting behavioral advertising on Facebook and Instagram without user consent, processing data of non-users, and transferring user data across borders without authorization.
Meta challenged the enforcement order, arguing that the NDPC denied it fair hearing and due process. The company, represented by Prof. Gbolahan Elias (SAN), claimed the Commission acted without adequate notice or opportunity for response, in breach of Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
The NDPC, however, maintained that Meta’s filings were procedurally defective and that the court lacked jurisdiction. Adedipe argued that the company’s application sought to alter previously granted ex parte orders through an irregular amendment.
Justice Omotosho had earlier granted Meta permission to commence judicial review proceedings but declined to stay the NDPC’s directives. His pending ruling—originally scheduled for October 3—will now depend on the outcome of the ongoing negotiations.
