The Federal Government has announced the removal of nearly 59 million pieces of harmful online content and the suspension of more than 13.5 million social media accounts across platforms including Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for violating Nigeria’s internet regulations.
The development was disclosed in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, submitted to government authorities by global technology companies operating in Nigeria, such as Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and others.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hadiza Umar, confirmed that a total of 58,909,112 offensive posts were taken down following regulatory monitoring and enforcement.
Umar commended the technology giants for complying with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, stressing that their cooperation represents progress in curbing harmful online activities.
She explained that during the review period, 754,629 complaints were lodged across the various platforms by users and regulators. Out of these, 420,439 posts that were initially removed were re-uploaded following successful appeals by users.
“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and their community guidelines,” Umar said.
“This milestone underscores the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy digital environment for Nigerian users.”
The NITDA spokesperson added that the submission of these compliance reports marked a “significant step towards building a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem in Nigeria.”
She also reiterated that under the 2024 Code of Practice, all large service platforms are required to be registered in Nigeria, adhere to national regulations, fulfill tax obligations, and implement strict measures against misinformation, harmful content, and online abuse.
“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders,” she said.
“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
The government’s 2024 Code of Practice forms part of its Renewed Hope Agenda to regulate the digital space, reduce the spread of false information, and curb harmful online behaviour that undermines national security, public order, and citizen well-being.
