ARCON Withdraws Lawsuit Against Meta Platforms Incorporated: A Tactical Redeployment

The Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) has made a surprising decision to withdraw its lawsuit against social media giant Meta Platforms Incorporated, according to recent reports. The move came after ARCON filed a notice of discontinuance before Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court in Abuja, marking a significant development in the legal battle that began in 2022.

The lawsuit, which initially started in September 2022 with ARCON taking legal action against Meta Platforms Incorporated and AT3 Resources Limited, was transferred to Justice Peter Lifu in 2023 following the retirement of the presiding judge, Justice A.M. Mohammed. The legal confrontation stemmed from a resolution passed by the House of Representatives directing ARCON to regulate advertisements on social media platforms, leading to resistance from Meta and subsequent legal action.

Director General of ARCON, Dr. Lekan Fadolapo, clarified that the withdrawal is not a retreat but a strategic move to ensure compliance with the Nigerian advertising code. He highlighted ongoing violations by Meta and its subsidiaries, prompting a reevaluation of the legal strategy. Legal expert Barrister Oloyede Lateef explained the significance of the discontinuance, noting that the case could be reintroduced in the future if needed.

Industry observers have expressed mixed opinions on the regulation of digital media in Nigeria, with some viewing ARCON’s decision as a practical step given the lack of progress in the case over the past two years. A senior advertising executive, speaking anonymously, emphasized the importance of regulating digital media to maintain integrity in the industry.

As the debate on digital media regulation continues, ARCON’s withdrawal of the lawsuit against Meta Platforms Incorporated raises questions about the future of advertising standards in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.