Awe, founder of technology solutions company Jidaw.com Ltd, spoke in Lagos on Monday while reacting to WhatsApp’s threat to withdraw from Nigeria. He said the threat gave the impression that WhatsApp was only looking at its operations in Nigeria from a money-making perspective.
He said it would be best to appeal the fine rather than appeal to public opinion or threaten to withdraw.
WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platform Incorporation, was investigated for allegedly violating the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
WhatsApp was fined by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) following a three-year investigation into the company’s privacy policy, which it said was “imposed” on users.
The regulator said WhatsApp was found to have violated the FCCPA and NDPR Acts multiple times.
“The $220 million fine imposed by Nigeria’s Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) on WhatsApp for violating anti-competitive rules and data privacy regulations is actually a substantial amount and a big blow,” Awe noted.
He called on Nigeria to reduce its reliance on foreign technology solutions.
“Too much dependence on foreign tech solutions can have significant social and economic consequences on Nigeria. It is a matter of national security and sustainable development.
“As digital adoption and dependence grows, overreliance on foreign tech platforms becomes increasingly risky.
“It is a reminder that Nigeria must invest in research, support startups, bridge the digital divides in practical and real terms, develop strategic partnerships, and promote local innovation and an innovative mindset in society. It is a question of priority, not feasibility,” Awe said.
