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WhatsApp Urged to Appeal $220 Million Fine Instead of Threatening to Leave Nigeria
Jide Awe, a prominent technology and innovation policy advisor, has criticized WhatsApp’s recent threat to exit Nigeria following a $220 million fine imposed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
Awe, who is the founder of Jidaw.com Ltd., a tech solutions company, expressed concern over WhatsApp’s approach, suggesting that the platform’s actions seem driven solely by financial considerations rather than a genuine commitment to its Nigerian user base.
Speaking in Lagos on Monday, Awe emphasized that rather than resorting to threats or appealing to public sentiment, WhatsApp should take the proper legal route and appeal the fine. The fine was the result of a three-year investigation by the FCCPC, which accused WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platforms Inc., of violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
The investigation concluded that WhatsApp had engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of these laws, particularly regarding its privacy policy, which was allegedly “foisted” on users.
“The $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s FCCPC on WhatsApp for violating anti-competitive rules and data privacy regulations is substantial and a significant blow to the company,” Awe noted.
He also used the occasion to highlight the broader issue of Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign tech solutions. Awe warned that such dependence poses significant social, economic, and national security risks to the country, especially as digital adoption continues to grow.
“This situation serves as a reminder that Nigeria must invest in research, support startups, bridge the digital divides in practical and real terms, develop strategic partnerships, and promote local innovation. It is a question of priority, not feasibility,” Awe concluded.
The incident underscores the need for Nigeria to bolster its technological self-reliance and reduce its dependency on foreign platforms to ensure sustainable development and digital sovereignty.
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