A Federal High Court in Lagos issued a temporary injunction that prevented the Nigerian government from enforcing a ₦60 billion fine against Meta’s Facebook. The ruling came after Facebook’s legal team filed an application challenging the penalty, which had been imposed by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in October 2024.
The controversy began when ARCON accused Facebook of running advertisements in Nigeria without proper approval. The council claimed these ads bypassed the Advertising Standards Panel, violating cultural and moral standards. In response, ARCON levied a hefty fine, stating that Facebook had failed to comply with the country’s advertising regulations.
Meta, however, quickly contested the fine, arguing that it was disproportionate and unconstitutional. The tech giant also disputed ARCON’s authority to impose such a large penalty, asserting that its global advertising practices adhered to international standards.
Justice Yellim Bogoro ruled in favour of Meta, temporarily halting any enforcement of the fine or additional penalties until the case is fully examined. A further hearing has been scheduled for February 2025, when both parties will present their arguments in more detail. The legal battle continues, with all eyes on the upcoming hearing.
