In an age where the internet is meant to be the great equalizer, bridging borders and opening doors, you’d think the playing field was finally level. But for many Nigerian creators and freelancers, especially those building their brands on Meta platforms like Instagram and Facebook, the reality is far more painful.
When a Warning Replaces a Welcome
A screenshot recently circulated on social media, stirring both anger and reflection. A Nigerian user had messaged someone on Instagram likely networking or pitching a service — only for the recipient to receive this chilling notification:
“Daniel appears to be in Nigeria. Don’t share personal info with people that you don’t know. Requests for photos or money may be signs of a scam.”
This isn’t just about online safety. It’s about profiling. It’s about how a billion-dollar tech company codifies a stereotype and ships it globally.
That message doesn’t protect users. It plants distrust. Before Daniel can say a word about who he is or what he offers, his nationality has already spoken for him and it’s not saying anything kind.
Invisible Walls in a “Connected” World
This isn’t an isolated case.
Many Nigerian users have shared similar frustrations: try connecting with someone in Europe or North America, and suddenly the “Add Friend” button disappears. Send too many friend requests? You risk being flagged. The system never explains why. It just quietly suggests that your presence is unwanted.
These aren’t random glitches. They’re patterns. Subtle signals that tell Nigerian users: you’re not welcome here.
Unfair Monetization: The Double Standard
The bias doesn’t stop at connection; it hits creators where it hurts most: their earnings.
While content creators in the U.S. or U.K. can earn revenue from a single 1,000-view video, Nigerian creators often have to post 10 times as much content, with higher views, just to be considered for monetization, if they’re even eligible at all.
And yet, Meta still accepts ad payments, verification fees, and promotion dollars from Nigerian accounts without hesitation. It takes the money but withholds the opportunity.
When Access Becomes a Career Barrier
Nigeria is bursting with talent. From designers and video editors to marketers and developers, a new generation of young professionals is building global careers through digital platforms.
Remote work isn’t just a lifestyle; it’s survival. It’s how many escapes unemployment. But every restriction, every warning, every hidden button becomes a digital roadblock with real-world consequences.
A single popup can make a client ghost you. A blocked feature can kill a collaboration. A missing payment can end a dream.
So, What Needs to Change?
If Meta truly believes in “bringing the world closer together,” it must dismantle the quiet policies that push entire nations to the margins. Here’s where to start:
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Stop profiling users by nationality. Safety features should respond to behavior, not birthplace.
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Level the playing field for monetization. If Nigerians drive engagement, they deserve a share of the revenue.
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Remove geo-restrictions on connection. The world is global. Your platform should be too.
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Be transparent about your policies. If restrictions exist, explain them clearly and give users a path to appeal.
This Is Bigger Than Nigeria
Because ultimately, this isn’t just about one country. It’s about justice. About giving every creator, every professional, every dreamer a fair chance to be seen, trusted, and rewarded regardless of where they’re from.
Meta cannot continue to collect from Nigerians while excluding them in practice. That’s not policy. That’s digital discrimination.
And it’s time it ends.