The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay a $220 million fine and an additional $35,000 in investigation costs to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Com… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader WhatsApp and Meta face $220m penalty for violating consumer data rights in Nigeria By Abiodun Abdullahi on April 27, 2025 The Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal has ordered WhatsApp and its parent company, Meta Platforms Incorporated, to pay a $220 million fine and an additional $35,000 in investigation costs to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) within 60 days. The decision, delivered on Friday, follows an investigation into alleged data discrimination practices affecting Nigerian consumers. The tribunal upheld the FCCPC's imposition of the fine, describing it as justified based on Meta and WhatsApp's handling of user data. The FCCPC launched its probe after uncovering concerns about potentially abusive and invasive data practices, including unauthorized access and misuse of Nigerian users' private information. In their appeal, WhatsApp and Meta contested the fine, arguing that the FCCPC's directives were vague, impractical, and unsupported by Nigerian law. Their legal team cited 22 points of contention, also alleging that they were denied a fair hearing before the penalty was imposed. Read also They further argued that the FCCPC's demand for a separate consent mechanism for each processed data point was unrealistic and excessively costly. However, the FCCPC maintained that the fine was necessary not just as punishment but to correct discriminatory behavior that violated consumer rights and constitutional protections. During the tribunal hearing, FCCPC representatives urged the panel to dismiss Meta's appeal, arguing that international precedents, though not binding, were persuasive in shaping the tribunal's ruling. Meta's legal team, led by Professor Gbolahan Elias, pushed back, insisting that Nigerian users had viable alternatives like TikTok and Google Meet, and that the companies were not operating as market monopolies. The tribunal ultimately sided with the FCCPC, validating the fine and affirming that global best practices in data protection provided a sound basis for its decision.

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The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem with the announcement of the 2025 edition of its flagship MSMEs Fair. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at NEC… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader NECA to host MSMEs fair to boost enterprise growth and regulatory support By Abiodun Abdullahi on April 27, 2025 The Nigeria Employers' Consultative Association (NECA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the MSME ecosystem with the announcement of the 2025 edition of its flagship MSMEs Fair. The event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at NECA House, Alausa, Lagos, is designed to empower small businesses with tools, knowledge, and strategic networks essential for growth. Speaking ahead of the event, NECA's Director-General, Mr Adewale Smatt Oyerinde, described MSMEs as the lifeblood of Nigeria's economy. He said the fair aims to provide entrepreneurs with practical support to navigate the challenges of today's business environment. This year's fair will feature a keynote address by Mrs Adenike Adeyemi, CEO of FATE Foundation, who is expected to share insights on innovative strategies for MSME sustainability and growth. A key highlight of the fair will be the interactive sessions with key regulatory agencies. Entrepreneurs will engage directly with regulators on critical issues such as licensing, compliance, taxation, and business registration, helping to simplify bureaucratic processes and promote a more enabling business environment. Read also Themed "Galvanizing MSMEs for Economic Growth and Stability," the fair will bring together financiers, tech experts, regulators, and business leaders to offer practical guidance, business development strategies, and real-time support to participants. Entrepreneurs across various sectors will also have the opportunity to exhibit their products and services, connect with potential investors, and explore new market opportunities. In addition, participants will gain insights into digital transformation, access to finance, and strategies for scaling their businesses sustainably. NECA emphasized that the fair reflects its broader mission of championing enterprise development and driving economic stability through a thriving MSME sector.

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The Federal Government has announced plans to intensify factory inspections nationwide to enforce strict adherence to workplace safety and health regulations.Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, revealed this during a courtesy v… Read on blog or Reader SMALL BUSINESS INSIGHTS Read on blog or Reader FG moves to enforce stricter factory safety compliance By Busola Bamidele on April 26, 2025 The Federal Government has announced plans to intensify factory inspections nationwide to enforce strict adherence to workplace safety and health regulations. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, revealed this during a courtesy visit by a delegation from 7up Bottling Company Limited, led by Abuja Regional General Manager, Alfred Obeten. Dingyadi reaffirmed the government's strong commitment to safeguarding workers' health and safety across both public and private sectors. Read also: FG moves to enforce stricter factory safety compliance Nigeria tumbles to 4th in Africa's economic rankings – IMF FG empower 4,000 farmers to boost food production FG partners World Bank to empower youth, boost job opportunities – Finance Minister FG launches agribusiness policy to tackle food inflation, empower small farmers He applauded 7up Bottling Company for its dedication to employee welfare, its contribution to job creation, and its high product standards. In his remarks, Obeten praised the Ministry's efforts in promoting workplace safety and pledged continued collaboration. He emphasized 7up's focus on maintaining a safe, healthy work environment while fostering good relations with host communities.

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