The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on Friday, April 25, applauded the judgment of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld its authority and sanctions against Meta Platforms Inc. and WhatsApp LLC.
In a statement issued in Abuja, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, said the ruling was a major victory for the Commission and a clear endorsement of its regulatory powers.
Ijagwu said Executive Vice Chairman, Mr Tunji Bello, praised the Commission’s legal team for their exceptional diligence, noting that the tribunal’s decision affirmed FCCPC’s actions on nearly all contested issues.
“The Tribunal resolved issues one to seven largely in favour of the FCCPC, dismissing the appellants’ objections to the commission’s findings, orders, and legal competence,” Ijagwu said.
He explained that the three-member panel, led by Mr Thomas Okosun, determined that the FCCPC operated within the law and carried out its mandate under the 1999 Constitution.
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The tribunal also upheld the $220 million fine imposed by the FCCPC on Meta and WhatsApp and awarded an additional $35,000 to cover the cost of the Commission’s investigation.
Ijagwu recalled that the case stemmed from a 38-month joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission into the data practices and consumer policies of both platforms.
He said Meta and WhatsApp had challenged the Commission’s findings and authority, prompting their appeal.
“The tribunal held that the FCCPC acted within its statutory mandate, reaffirming its authority under Section 104 of the FCCPA to regulate competition and consumer protection even in regulated industries,” Ijagwu added.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s resolve to continue defending consumer rights and ensuring fair business practices across Nigeria.