Mark Zuckerberg Threatens to Shut Down Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria Over $290 Million Fine

Abuja, Nigeria – Meta Platforms Inc. , the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has threatened to shut down its operations in Nigeria following a massive $290 million fine imposed by the Nigerian government.

The fine stems from alleged violations of Nigerian laws and regulations, though specific details remain under legal scrutiny. Meta, led by CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has made multiple attempts to challenge the ruling in an Abuja High Court, but the efforts have so far proved unsuccessful.

The court has since ordered Meta to pay the fine in full by the end of June 2025, a decision that may have wide-ranging implications for Nigeria’s digital economy.

Nigeria: A Key Market for Meta

Nigeria is a critical market for Meta, with 49.8 million Facebook users, making it the second-largest Facebook market in Africa, just behind Egypt. Any disruption to Facebook or Instagram in Nigeria could significantly impact:

• Small and medium-sized businesses

• Digital marketers and influencers

• Online communities and youth engagement

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Potential Shutdown Raises Concerns Across Nigeria

The potential shutdown of Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria has sparked concerns among entrepreneurs, content creators, and everyday users who rely on these platforms for communication, business, and news.

It also highlights the increasing tension between sovereign nations and tech giants, especially in emerging markets where regulatory frameworks are still evolving.

What This Means for Africa’s Tech Landscape:

• Greater scrutiny of foreign tech firms

• Possible rise in local social media alternatives

• Urgent calls for balanced digital regulation

Meta has yet to make a final decision, but the standoff may set a precedent for how Big Tech navigates regulation and compliance across Africa.