₦60 Billion Fine: Facebook, ARCON Dispute Heads For Judgment On May 14, 2026 In a long-awaited development, the Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled May 14, 2026, to deliver judgment in a high-profile case involving Facebook Nigeria Operations Limited and the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON). At stake is a whopping ₦60 billion fine imposed on Facebook by ARCON for allegedly breaching advertising regulations in Nigeria. The controversy began in October 2024 when ARCON accused Facebook of repeatedly displaying targeted ads in Nigeria without obtaining prior approval from the Advertising Standards Panel. In response, ARCON slapped a ₦60 billion fine on the firm, citing sections of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022. However, Facebook is contesting the fine, arguing that it was unfairly imposed without a fair hearing. According to Facebook, it is not responsible for the operations of Facebook and Instagram in Nigeria, as both platforms are owned and managed by Meta Platforms, Inc., a United States-based company. The company also claims that the fine contravenes provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the ARCON Act. In court, Facebook's lawyer, Mofesomo Tayo-Oyetibo, SAN, argued that his client's constitutional right to a fair hearing had been violated. He contended that Facebook had never operated Facebook or Instagram in Nigeria and therefore cannot be held liable for any infractions. The case has significant implications for the tech industry in Nigeria, as it raises questions about the regulatory powers of ARCON and the responsibility of foreign-owned companies operating in the country. With judgment set to be delivered on May 14, 2026, stakeholders are eagerly waiting to see how the court will rule in this high-stakes dispute.