The Federal Government has ordered the shutdown of more than 13 million social media accounts across platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) over offensive content and breaches of Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms.
The action, which affected 13,597,057 accounts, was revealed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report jointly prepared by Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and other interactive computer service providers.
The report, released on Wednesday, highlighted the enforcement of Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, a regulatory framework issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to the report, a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were taken down in 2024, while 754,629 complaints were officially lodged by users. It also revealed that about 420,439 contents removed were later restored after appeals were upheld.
Speaking on the development, the Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, commended the compliance of major tech firms.
“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and community guidelines,” she said.
Umar added that the move represents a significant milestone in strengthening Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandate that large service platforms register in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including tax obligations. It also reinforces the commitment to ensuring online safety for Nigerians,” she explained.
She stressed that while the efforts of global tech companies were commendable, building a safe online space requires sustained cooperation among regulators, industry players, and civil society.
The Code of Practice, introduced in 2022 and enforced in 2024, mandates global digital platforms operating in Nigeria to curb harmful content, ensure user data protection, and strengthen accountability measures.
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