Jide Awe, a technology and innovation policy advisor, has decried WhatsApp’s threat to leave Nigeria.

Mr Awe, founder of Jidaw.com Ltd., a tech solutions company, said this in Lagos on Monday while reacting to WhatsApp’s threat to exit Nigeria. He said the threat made it seem that Whatsapp considered their Nigeria operations solely from the cash-generated perspective.

He said rather than appeal to public sentiment or threaten to leave, the best thing is to appeal the fine.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta Platform Incorporation was investigated for alleged violation of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

WhatsApp was fined by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) after a three-year investigation alleging that the company’s privacy policy was “foisted” on users.

According to the regulator, it found that WhatsApp engaged in multiple and repeated infringements of the FCCPA and the NDPR laws. 

“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,” Mr Awe noted.

He urged Nigeria to reduce its dependence on foreign tech 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,” said Mr Awe.

(NAN)