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The Nigeria Data Protection Commission has launched the Meta-Supported Initiatives for Data Protection (M-SIDP), a strategic programme aimed at strengthening safety for data subjects.
In a statement signed by Itunu Dosekun, CDPO head, Media Unit, NDPC, the commission said the initiative is connected to its regulatory process involving Meta Platforms, Inc., following investigations into the company’s data processing practices in Nigeria.
The statement read,
“The matter was concluded in 2025 through a court-approved settlement. As part of the settlement, Meta committed to supporting a two-year programme of public-facing data protection measures that aligns with the objectives of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act), the NDP Act General Application and Implementation Directive (GAID) and the NDPC Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2023-2027.”
The M-SIDP programme is structured around governance, research and development; fostering safety and sustainability mechanisms for ecosystem and technology; capacity development for Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and Data Protection Compliance Organisations (DPCOs); and public awareness targeting data subjects, with particular focus on vulnerable groups.
The commission stated that,
“Nothing in this settlement limits the Commission’s independent statutory powers as we continue to exercise our regulatory mandate in relation to data processing activities in Nigeria, in accordance with the NDP Act and other applicable laws.”
According to the NDPC, it will provide periodic updates on the implementation of the M-SIDP programme and has called on stakeholders to support the initiative in advancing a secure and accountable privacy ecosystem in Nigeria.
Recall that in 2025, Meta settled out of court its dispute with the Nigerian government over a $32.8 million data violation fine that had lingered since February.
The federal government, through the NDPC, imposed the fine on Meta on February 18, 2025, over alleged data transfer violations, unsolicited advertisements, and failure to file audit reports, among other breaches.
The move triggered a dispute, with Meta at one point threatening to shut down its operations in Nigeria.
After months of discussions, both parties told the court they were willing to resolve the matter amicably.
Judge James Omotosho, who noted the court’s support for alternative dispute resolution, adopted the terms of settlement filed by the parties on October 31, 2025.
Meta denied the findings and the process. On February 26 of the same year, Meta Platforms Inc. filed an ex parte motion seeking an order quashing NDPC’s compliance and enforcement orders dated February 18.
The case primarily sought the court’s order nullifying
“All other investigations, proceedings and actions taken by respondent against the applicant leading to the ‘Final Orders.’”
On March 4, 2025, Meta’s lawyer moved the application, which Justice James Omotosho partly granted.
The judge granted leave to Meta to commence judicial review proceedings against NPDC’s orders but refused a stay of proceedings relating to the “Final Orders” pending the determination of the judicial review.
He also ordered an accelerated hearing of the main suit.
In response, NDPC filed a preliminary objection through its lawyer, arguing that the suit was incompetent and that the court lacked jurisdiction.
The commission also claimed Meta failed to comply with rules guiding judicial review under Order 34 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019.
In a filing dated March 19, 2025, Meta argued that the NDPC denied it fair hearing and due process. Its lawyer, Gbolahan Elias, asked the Federal High Court to quash the enforcement orders, saying they breached Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution.
NDPC’s lawyer contended that Meta was attempting to introduce new players after the court had ruled on its ex parte application, maintaining that the amendment was not permitted under the rules of court.
After a hearing on July 16, 2025, the court adjourned the matter until October 3 for a consolidated ruling on NDPC’s preliminary objection and Meta’s motion to amend its filings.
The parties, however, later informed the court that they were ready to settle, allowing time for an amicable resolution.
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