The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the deactivation of 13,597,057 social media accounts across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter, after finding them guilty of circulating offensive material and violating Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms.
The decision followed the presentation of the 2024 Compliance Report submitted by leading service providers, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. NITDA stated that the move underscores the government’s efforts to enforce compliance with existing online regulations and ensure safer digital interactions for users in Nigeria.
Although millions of accounts were removed, NITDA acknowledged the level of cooperation shown by the platforms in aligning with Nigeria’s policies. The agency explained that the regulations, which were developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), form part of broader efforts to create a secure and transparent online environment.
According to the details contained in the Compliance Report, hundreds of thousands of complaints were officially lodged, while several millions of harmful content were taken down. The agency further revealed that a fraction of this content resurfaced following appeals from affected users, but a significant number of accounts were ultimately deactivated after breaching the rules.
NITDA emphasized that these statistics reflect the active measures taken by the platforms to safeguard users and limit the spread of dangerous or unlawful content, while also demonstrating compliance with Nigerian laws. The agency reminded all digital service providers operating within the country that they are required to be locally registered, fulfill tax obligations, and operate strictly under the guidelines outlined in the Code of Practice.
In addition, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with regulators, civil society groups, and industry stakeholders to strengthen digital literacy, encourage transparency, and promote online safety across Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital landscape.
What you should know
NITDA is Nigeria’s regulatory body tasked with shaping the nation’s digital policy and ensuring compliance with online regulations.
The agency’s recent move to shut down more than 13 million accounts highlights the seriousness with which Nigeria is confronting harmful online activities. By insisting on local registration, tax compliance, and adherence to the Code of Practice, NITDA aims to hold global platforms accountable while also fostering a safer internet space for Nigerian users.
The step also reflects an increasing global trend where governments are demanding greater responsibility from tech companies in handling harmful or misleading content.
