As a dissatisfied consumer, I feel compelled to express my frustration with Meta’s ongoing abuse of user data, particularly in the manipulation of followers and unfair practices that undermine hard work. It’s unacceptable that Meta has reduced my followers without clear explanation, seemingly as a result of not placing paid advertisements. This kind of manipulation harms the integrity of social media and creates an environment where one’s efforts are undermined for financial gain. If Meta continues down this path of reducing followers without reason, they are free to exit the Nigerian market – this would open up the space for competitors like TikTok, who seem more committed to fair practices.
Moreover, what exactly is Meta contributing to our economy? It certainly doesn’t provide jobs at a meaningful scale, nor does it pay the rightful taxes that any business operating in Nigeria should. What, then, gives Meta the impetus to issue threats to Nigeria? It is not their contributions to our economic development, nor is it their commitment to following Nigerian laws. Meta seems to forget that they benefit from access to our market and our data, but in return, they should be held accountable to the same standards as any other company operating in this country.
Meta must understand that laws, especially in Nigeria, are meant to be followed. Just as foreign companies that operate in the United States must adhere to local laws, any company wishing to operate in Nigeria must respect our laws as well. Meta’s recent threats to exit the Nigerian market over regulatory pressure only serve to reinforce how little they value accountability.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has made it clear that they will not tolerate Meta’s “calculated blackmail” and violations of Nigerian laws. As a consumer, I stand with the FCCPC in ensuring that Meta respects Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, and our right to privacy. If Meta cannot play by the rules, they should feel free to exit, and we will see others step in who respect both the market and the law.
Signed Idris Muhammed Abdullahi
