The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that its recent $220 million fine on Meta Platforms Inc., the U.S.-based operators of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, was part of efforts to ensure the company complies with Nigerian laws on data protection.

The explanation was provided on Friday by Dr Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), during a training session for government developers themed, “Innovating with Privacy: Building Trust in Government Digital Services.”

Dr. Olatunji said the investigation into Meta’s operations required a multi-agency approach to ensure a comprehensive review of the company’s practices and mechanisms to address any violations.

“We are concerned about the ways and manners in which data of citizens are collected and managed in Nigeria and outside Nigeria. In so doing, we also consider the economic value for the citizens and the country, and we want the global best standards and practices to be entrenched here,” he said.

While stressing that the government’s action was not intended to be punitive, Olatunji emphasised that any institution failing to comply with national regulations would face sanctions.

“We are not necessarily being punitive. However, any institution that fails to cooperate or comply with our laws will be sanctioned,” he said.

He further highlighted the importance of trust and privacy as the foundation for digital governance.

“The future of government is digital, but the success of digital governance will depend on one thing above all: trust and privacy. Deploying trusted digital services is not a task for government alone; it requires all of us across public and private sectors, civil societies, and citizens working together. Together we can build a citizen-centric, innovative digital nation that others will look to as a model of trust and progress,” Olatunji said.

The NDPC’s statement underscores the federal government’s ongoing commitment to regulating the handling of citizens’ data while promoting a secure and accountable digital ecosystem in Nigeria.