Speaking during a one-day intensive workshop for data protection officers in Abuja on Tuesday, Olatunji emphasized that the commission’s strategy is based on collaboration and pragmatic engagement rather than confrontation.
“Our new approach is partnership. We are working with them to see if we can resolve the issue. We don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. What we do today is to look at the issues what do we need to resolve, and are they willing to do what is right? We have to look at political ways of solving it,” the NDPC boss said.
The data breach issue stems from a $220 million fine imposed on Meta in 2024 by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), following a joint investigation with the NDPC. The probe examined Meta’s operations, privacy policies, and data practices between May 2021 and December 2023 across its platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Meta, through its subsidiary WhatsApp, rejected the findings, threatened to appeal the fine, and even indicated the possibility of exiting Nigeria. The competition and consumer protection tribunal upheld the fine on April 25. In response, Meta reiterated its warning about a potential withdrawal of Facebook and Instagram operations in the country.
Despite these tensions, Olatunji remained confident about achieving a resolution. He stated, “Even when you go to work, you see that there’s a right way to resolve issues. So, I’m sure we’re going to resolve it.”
During the workshop, the NDPC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Mastercard aimed at strengthening data protection capabilities in Nigeria. Olatunji underscored the federal government’s commitment to expanding the pool of certified data protection officers equipped to safeguard digital information.
He noted that the collaboration would benefit both parties. “The country had tech-savvy youths who are digital natives and are ready to explore,” he said.
