Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of WhatsApp and Facebook, has announced plans to appeal a landmark $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for alleged data privacy violations and discriminatory practices affecting millions of Nigerian users. The fine, upheld by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal on Friday, follows a sweeping 38-month investigation by the FCCPC and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). Regulators found that Meta and WhatsApp engaged in unauthorised sharing of personal data, denied Nigerians the right to control their information, and treated Nigerian users less favourably than those in other countries. The commission also cited abuse of market dominance and exploitative privacy policies as grounds for the penalty. In addition to the $220 million fine, Meta and WhatsApp have been ordered to pay $35,000 to cover the cost of the FCCPC’s investigation and to immediately bring their data practices in line with Nigerian law. The tribunal directed Meta to stop sharing Nigerian users’ information with Facebook and third parties, reinstate user consent mechanisms, and revert to its 2016 data-sharing policy. Meta must submit a compliance report to both the FCCPC and NDPC by July 1, 2025, and pay the fines within 60 days. Reacting to the decision, WhatsApp stated, “We are urgently applying to stay the order and appeal today’s decision to avoid any impact to users.” The company argues that the ruling misrepresents how WhatsApp operates and contains inaccuracies about its data practices. Meta maintains that the fine is excessive and that some of the FCCPC’s directives are technically impossible to implement under Nigerian law. The FCCPC, however, insists that Meta’s actions contravened the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act. According to Dr. Adamu Abdullahi, acting executive vice chairman of the FCCPC, the commission is committed to protecting Nigerian consumers and ensuring that multinational tech companies comply with local regulations. With an estimated 51 million WhatsApp users in Nigeria, the outcome of Meta’s appeal could have far-reaching implications for digital privacy and tech regulation in Africa’s largest market. The case also sends a strong message to other global technology firms about the importance of respecting Nigerian consumer rights and adhering to local data protection laws.
Legend internet’s quiet NGX debut reveals a mixed financial picture
Legend Internet Plc, one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing last-mile fiber broadband providers, made a low-key but significant entrance onto the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on April 24, 2025. The company, now trading under the ticker “LEGENDINT,” listed 2 billion ordinary shares, inviting Nigerians to join its journey as shareholders and marking a new chapter in the country’s push for digital connectivity. Legend’s CEO, Aisha Abdulaziz, called the listing “more than a corporate milestone – it’s a national moment.” The company’s ambition is clear: to deepen digital access and unlock new growth opportunities for Nigeria’s digital economy. But while the bell-ringing ceremony set an optimistic tone, the company’s freshly released 2024 audited financials tell a more nuanced story. Legend Internet reported a 5.76% drop in revenue for the year ended July 31, 2024, bringing in N1.138 billion. This marks the second consecutive year of declining sales, with a three-year average annual revenue decrease of 3.27%. Despite the dip, there was a silver lining: cost of sales fell sharply by 21% year-on-year, which helped gross profit rise by 8.56% and pushed gross margins up to an impressive 59.5%. Operating profit inched up by 2.39%, and profit before tax reached N285 million. However, profit after tax took a significant hit, dropping by more than 50% to N119 million, mainly due to increased tax liabilities. On the balance sheet, Legend’s total assets grew slightly to N3.03 billion, while shareholders’ equity rose to N2.7 billion, buoyed by deposits for shares and retained earnings. The company carries relatively little debt – just 11% of total assets – giving it room to borrow or raise funds for future expansion. Legend’s market debut was solid: shares closed at N6.20 on IPO day and jumped 10% to N6.82 on the second trading day, making it the 84th most valuable stock on the NGX with a market capitalization of about N13.6 billion. Beyond Broadband: New Digital ProductsLegend is positioning itself as more than just an internet provider. With offerings like LegendMail (an email service with integrated payments) and Legend Pay (a digital wallet), the company hopes to deliver a full digital lifestyle to its customers. However, these new products have yet to translate into meaningful sales growth, and revenue continues to slide. Legend’s core broadband business is stable, and the company is doing a better job of keeping more of what it earns by controlling costs and offering value-added services. Now, as a publicly listed company, Legend will face greater scrutiny – a factor that could help build trust with both customers and investors. The listing also opens the door to easier fundraising for future expansion. Still, investors should be cautious. While Legend’s cost management is commendable, declining revenue and shrinking net profits suggest the business is still in an early growth phase and not without risks. For those who believe in Nigeria’s digital future and are willing to play the long game, Legend Internet is one to watch – but it’s not a quick win. Legend Internet’s NGX debut is a notable step for Nigeria’s tech sector. The company has strong ambitions and a solid operational base, but it must prove it can turn innovation into real, sustained growth. Investors looking for immediate returns may want to be patient, but long-term believers in the digital economy could find Legend’s story compelling.
Akanu Ibiam international airport set to reopen after emergency runway repairs
Flight operations will resume at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Monday, April 28, following the swift completion of emergency runway repairs. The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed the reopening in a statement released on Saturday, April 26, 2025. The airport was temporarily closed on April 18 after a sudden and significant rupture was discovered in the asphalt surface at a critical section of the runway, prompting urgent safety concerns. Repair works began on April 22 and were initially expected to last until May 6, but engineers expedited the process, allowing the airport to reopen ahead of schedule. Mrs. Obiageli Orah, FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, assured the public that the runway is now fully cleared for safe landings and takeoffs. She expressed gratitude to all airport users and stakeholders for their patience and cooperation during the closure, and apologized for any inconvenience caused. FAAN emphasized that all actions were taken in the paramount interest of passenger safety. The authority reiterated its commitment to maintaining safe skies and secure airports nationwide as flight operations return to normal in Enugu.
Angry JAMB candidates destroy exam centre property in Ibadan over technical glitches
Dozens of frustrated candidates taking the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Ibadan erupted in protest on Friday, April 25, after repeated technical failures delayed their exams at a JAMB Computer-Based Test (CBT) centre. Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred at Abimbola Excel School, Elesin, Amuloko, on Akanran Road in Ona Ara Local Government Area. Candidates, unable to access their scheduled exams due to system malfunctions, began destroying plastic chairs and other property inside the centre. The chaos was captured in a video circulating on social media. Security personnel were called to the scene and quickly restored order. No arrests were reported, but the centre’s operations were temporarily disrupted. This is not the first time technical issues have marred the UTME process. In 2024, similar glitches forced the rescheduling of exams for many students. JAMB, which began the 2025 UTME nationwide on Thursday, expects over 2 million candidates to sit for the exams this year, including more than 41,000 under the age of 16. JAMB spokesman Dr. Fabian Benjamin stated that adjustments have been made to accommodate essential commitments by the board and its partner agencies. However, Friday’s events in Ibadan highlight ongoing challenges with the exam’s digital infrastructure. Candidates and parents are urging JAMB to address technical shortcomings to prevent further disruptions.
Nigeria tribunal upholds $220 million fine against Meta and WhatsApp over data violations
Nigeria’s Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has upheld a $220 million fine against Meta Platforms Inc., the parent company of Facebook and WhatsApp, for violating the country’s data protection and consumer rights laws. The tribunal also ordered Meta and WhatsApp to pay an additional $35,000 to reimburse the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) for investigative costs. Both penalties must be paid within 60 days. The FCCPC’s investigation, conducted jointly with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, began in 2020 and spanned 38 months. Regulators found that Meta and WhatsApp engaged in unauthorized data sharing, discriminatory handling of Nigerian users’ information, and exploitative practices that breached constitutional privacy guarantees. The Commission argued these actions gave unauthorized access to personal data and treated Nigerian users differently from those in other regions. Meta and WhatsApp challenged the FCCPC’s penalty, arguing that the directives were vague, technically impossible to implement, and not grounded in Nigerian law. They also claimed they were not given a fair hearing or a clear explanation of how the fine was calculated. However, the tribunal, led by Thomas Okosun, dismissed the appeal, stating that Meta was given ample opportunity to defend itself and that the FCCPC acted fully within its legal mandate. “The tribunal finds that the FCCPC did not exceed its powers while making orders with respect to data protection. The appellants were given ample opportunity to be heard,” said Okosun. Beyond the financial penalties, the tribunal issued several directives to Meta and WhatsApp: Restore Nigerian users’ right to control how their data is shared. Cease all data sharing between WhatsApp and Facebook or third parties unless explicit user consent is obtained. Revert to the 2016 data-sharing policy for Nigerian users. Submit a compliance letter to the FCCPC and Nigeria Data Protection Commission by July 1, 2025. Provide and publish a revised user data policy within 10 days. This ruling adds to Meta’s growing list of regulatory challenges worldwide. The company is currently facing similar fines in the European Union for data privacy violations. Nigeria, with over 164 million internet subscriptions as of March 2025, is one of Meta’s largest markets in Africa, making this decision particularly significant for the tech giant’s operations on the continent. FCCPC Executive Vice Chairman, Tunji Bello, hailed the judgment as a victory for Nigerian consumers and a clear message that no company is above the law. Meta has denied any wrongdoing and expressed disagreement with the ruling, but must comply with the tribunal’s orders by the end of June 2025.
EFCC declares eight wanted over alleged $1 billion CBEX crypto fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared eight individuals-four Nigerians and four foreign nationals-wanted in connection with a massive fraud scheme linked to the online trading platform, Crypto Bridge Exchange (CBEX). The Nigerian suspects are: Seyi Oloyede Emmanuel Uko Adefowora Oluwanisola Adefowora Abiodun Olaonipekun Their alleged foreign accomplices are: Johnson Otieno Israel Mbaluka Joseph Michiro Kabera Serah Michiro The EFCC accuses the suspects of luring thousands of Nigerians into investing in CBEX, promising unrealistic returns of up to 100% per month. Investors were reportedly unable to withdraw their funds, sparking widespread suspicion that the platform was a Ponzi scheme. Investigations revealed the promoters used a front company, ST Technologies International Limited, to attract investors. The EFCC stated that over $1 billion may have been lost to the scheme. A Federal High Court in Abuja has authorized the EFCC to arrest and detain six of the platform’s promoters, including some of those declared wanted. The agency published the wanted notice across its official channels and is appealing to the public for information on the suspects’ whereabouts. The EFCC urges anyone with useful information to contact its offices nationwide or the nearest police station. The agency has assured the public that all information will be treated confidentially as it intensifies efforts to tackle online financial crimes. CBEX’s collapse is a reminder for Nigerians to remain cautious of investment platforms promising high returns.