A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed May 14, 2026 for judgment in the legal dispute between Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited (FNOL) and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) over a ₦60 billion administrative fine imposed on the company for alleged advertising violations. Justice Yelim Bogoro adjourned the matter after hearing submissions from both sides on whether ARCON has the power to impose sanctions in the manner challenged by the plaintiff.
The suit stems from an ARCON notice dated October 21, 2024, in which the regulator alleged that adverts targeting the Nigerian market were displayed on Facebook and Instagram without prior approval from ARCON’s Advertising Standards Panel, contrary to provisions of the ARCON Act 2022. ARCON subsequently imposed the ₦60 billion fine, citing alleged breaches of Sections 34(3) and 54 of the Act.
FNOL is asking the court for declaratory and injunctive reliefs to nullify the notice and restrain ARCON from issuing similar sanctions in the future. The company argues, among other points, that it does not operate or control the platforms where the alleged infractions occurred, maintaining that Facebook and Instagram are owned and managed by Meta Platforms, Inc. in the United States.
At the latest proceedings, FNOL’s lead counsel, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo (SAN), argued that the Constitution guarantees fair hearing rights, especially where allegations carry criminal implications. ARCON’s counsel, O. Kehinde, countered that the suit was incompetent and should not be determined by originating summons, arguing the dispute is contentious and requires a full trial.
The case is being closely watched because it could clarify the scope of ARCON’s enforcement powers over digital advertising in Nigeria.
