The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed November 3 for the adoption of settlement terms between the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Meta Platforms Inc. over a $32.8 million data privacy fine imposed on the company.
Justice James Omotosho set the date after Meta’s counsel, Fred Onuobia (SAN), informed the court that both parties had reached a settlement but had yet to file the required documents.
At Friday’s proceedings, Onuobia told the court, “We are happy to announce that the parties have reached a settlement,” while apologising for the delay in filing the terms, which he said was due to circumstances beyond their control. He requested a short standdown to enable the filing.
Justice Omotosho declined the request, saying he must review the settlement documents before adoption.
“There are instances where matters not in the claims are included in the settlement terms. I will have to read through before making a pronouncement,” the judge said.
Adeola Adedipe (SAN), counsel to the NDPC, confirmed that the parties were close to reconciliation and thanked the court for granting time to conclude the process.
The judge then adjourned the matter to November 3 at 12 noon for the adoption of the settlement.
The NDPC had, on February 18, 2025, imposed a $32.8 million remedial fee and eight corrective orders on Meta for alleged violations of users’ privacy rights related to behavioural advertising on Facebook and Instagram.
Dissatisfied with the sanctions, Meta filed a suit (FHC/ABJ/CS/355/2025) seeking judicial review and an order nullifying the NDPC’s compliance and enforcement directives. The court granted leave for the review but refused Meta’s request to stay all NDPC actions pending the case’s determination.
The NDPC, through a preliminary objection, asked the court to dismiss Meta’s suit for lack of jurisdiction, arguing that it was incompetent under Order 34 Rule 6(1) of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.
The dispute stems from NDPC’s enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), which seeks to safeguard citizens’ data rights and ensure corporate compliance with privacy regulations.
Source: Business Day
