SERAP Threatens Legal Action Against Mark Zuckerberg and Meta Over $220 Million Fine

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has issued a legal threat to Mark Zuckerberg, Chairman and CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., demanding immediate payment of the $220 million fine recently upheld by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In a letter dated April 26, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization called on Zuckerberg and Meta to not only pay the fine but also provide adequate compensation and guarantees of non-repetition for the victims affected by violations of Nigerian consumer, data protection, and privacy laws.

SERAP further demanded that Meta pay the additional $35,000 awarded by the Tribunal to the FCCPC for investigation costs. They urged the tech giant to immediately halt the violations found by the Tribunal, ensure they do not reoccur, and hold those responsible accountable.

The FCCPC Tribunal had, on Friday, April 25, 2025, upheld the $220 million fine, citing serious breaches of consumer rights, data protection, and privacy standards by Meta’s operations in Nigeria.

SERAP emphasized that as CEO, Zuckerberg must ensure greater transparency, accountability, and adherence to international human rights standards in Meta’s operations. The organization warned that failure to meet these demands within seven days could trigger national, regional, or international legal action to enforce compliance.

SERAP also cautioned Meta against appealing the Tribunal’s ruling, stating that such a move would only prolong the harm suffered by victims. They stressed that Meta’s practices in Nigeria, as confirmed by the Tribunal, are inconsistent with both Nigerian law and the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.