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$220m Fine Judgement Will Affect Our Services In Nigeria, WhatsApp Warns
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WhatsApp has warned that a recent ruling by Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal, which upheld the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) authority to penalise the platform and its parent company, Meta, for alleged anti-competitive practices, could jeopardise its operations in the country.
In a statement released yesterday, WhatsApp asserted that its ability to function in Nigeria, and globally, is intrinsically linked to the infrastructure provided by Meta. The company stated that it relies on minimal data to operate its service and ensure user safety, making it “impossible to provide WhatsApp in Nigeria, or globally, without the infrastructure of our parent company, Meta.”
WhatsApp further claimed that the FCCPC order contains “multiple inaccuracies and misrepresents how WhatsApp works.” The company announced that it is urgently seeking a stay of the order and will appeal the tribunal’s decision to prevent any disruption to its users.
The tribunal’s judgment, presided over by Hon. Thomas Okosun, largely sided with the FCCPC, affirming the commission’s authority on almost all contested points. The tribunal upheld the FCCPC’s final order issued on July 19, 2024, imposing a $220 million administrative penalty on Meta and WhatsApp, along with $35,000 in investigative costs.
The case originated from a comprehensive 38-month joint investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), initiated in 2020, into Meta and WhatsApp’s conduct, privacy practices, and consumer data policies.
Dissatisfied with the FCCPC’s findings and the imposed penalty, Meta and WhatsApp challenged the commission’s legal authority, investigative methods, and conclusions through an appeal.
However, the tribunal largely dismissed Meta and WhatsApp’s objections across seven key issues. It ruled that the FCCPC acted within the bounds of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA), and that the companies were afforded adequate opportunity for a fair hearing, contrary to their claims.
A significant point of contention – the FCCPC’s power to regulate matters concerning data privacy – was decided in favor of the commission. The tribunal emphasized the FCCPC’s broad mandate to oversee consumer protection, even within regulated sectors like data privacy, reinforcing its powers under Section 104 of the FCCPA.
The tribunal also supported the FCCPC’s finding that Meta’s privacy policy violated Nigerian laws. However, it did strike down Order 7 of the FCCPC’s final order, deeming it to lack sufficient legal basis.
In response to the judgment, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the FCCPC, Mr. Tunji Bello, hailed it as a “milestone in Nigeria’s regulatory evolution.” He commended the commission’s legal team and reaffirmed the FCCPC’s commitment to protecting consumer rights and promoting fair business practices in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
WhatsApp’s decision to appeal sets the stage for a protracted legal battle that will likely test the limits of Nigeria’s regulatory authority over global technology giants.
Despite the tribunal’s ruling, WhatsApp emphasized its commitment to its millions of users in Nigeria. However, it cautioned that complying with the FCCPC’s current order without relying on Meta’s infrastructure could severely disrupt its services within the country. The coming months will be crucial as both sides prepare for the next stage of this legal confrontation.
A joint police operation rescued five victims abducted near Ogbere Forest in Ogun state on Wednesday.
They were rescued within 25 hours by the Lagos and Ogun Police Commands, which were part of a joint operation codenamed KOSAYE, meaning “No Space” in Yoruba.
The woman was among the victims who were shot in the incident. Her daughter and sister were among those rescued by the police on Thursday.
The Embassy of Ireland in Nigeria has announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Ireland Fellows Programme, a fully funded scholarship scheme that will enable successful candidates to pursue Master’s degrees in Ireland.
The announcement was made in a post on the embassy’s official X handle on Friday, confirming that applications will open on Monday, June 29, 2026.
The programme is designed for early and mid-career professionals from Nigeria and Ghana who wish to undertake a one-year postgraduate study at leading universities in Ireland.
The embassy stated: “Applications for the Ireland Fellows Programme open on 29 June 2026! Apply for the opportunity to study in Ireland on a fully funded master’s scholarship.”
According to the mission, detailed information on eligibility criteria and application procedures is available on the official programme portal.
To be eligible, applicants must be citizens and residents of Nigeria or Ghana, possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with at least a Second Class Lower, and have a minimum of three years of relevant professional experience.
For Nigerian applicants, the programme includes the Roger Casement Fellowship in Human Rights, which supports postgraduate studies in fields such as Law, Human Rights, and Governance.
The scholarship covers tuition fees, monthly living stipends, accommodation, travel and visa costs, as well as health insurance for successful candidates.
Applications will remain open from June 29 to July 26, 2026, with submissions to be made online through the official Ireland Fellows Programme portal.
“Applicants from Nigeria and Ghana can find all info and applications here https://irelandfellows.africa @commercium_afr,” the statement added.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a strategic reshuffling of senior officers across command, training, and staff positions in the Nigerian Army.
The appointments were announced on Saturday, June 27, 2026, by Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, who said the move was to enhance operational effectiveness and strengthen national security.
New GOCs for 3 and 6 Divisions–
Major General WM Dangana has been appointed General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force Operation Enduring Peace. He replaces Major General EF Oyinlola.
Major General EI Okoro takes over as General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander Joint Task Force South-South Operation Delta Safe, replacing Major General EE Emeka.
–Key command and staff changes–
Other major postings include:
– Major General JR Lar: Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison
– Brigadier General OM Oyekola: Acting Military Secretary (Army)
– Brigadier General IB Buhari: Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade
– Brigadier General K Rabiu: Commander, Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade
– Major General SA Emmanuel: Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command
– Major General O Adegbe: Director, Intelligence and Security, Defence Headquarters
Brigadier General I Waziri remains Chief of Staff in the Office of the COAS.
Training and institutional appointments—
To deepen force readiness, Major General KE Chigbu was appointed Deputy Commandant, National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School. Africans& Diaspora
Major General SO Adejimi is now Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport. Major General FS Etim will serve as Chief of Training, TRADOC NA. Brigadier General U Ahmad takes over as Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.
Major General KO Ukandu and Major General AI Allison were named Managing Director/CEO of Post Housing Development Limited and Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited, respectively.
–“Justify the confidence”–
Anele said Shaibu urged the new appointees to demonstrate “exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment” to the Army’s mandate of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and supporting civil authority.
“The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its transformation drive and commitment to building a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force,” Anele stated.
Just in: Police rescue five abductees in Ogun
Ireland Opens Fully Funded Master’s Scholarship For Nigerians
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