Nigeria’s efforts to enforce safer online practices have yielded significant activity from major technology companies, with over 13.5 million user accounts deactivated in 2024. The figure, disclosed by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Wednesday, comes from compliance reports submitted by platforms including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok under Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries.
The Code of Practice—jointly introduced in 2022 by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Broadcasting Commission—sets obligations for large service providers operating in the country. These obligations include registration in Nigeria, adherence to local laws, tax compliance, and measures to protect users from harmful online behavior.
According to NITDA, a total of 754,629 user complaints were lodged last year, resulting in the removal of 58.9 million pieces of harmful content. Of these, 420,439 items were later reinstated following successful user appeals. The platforms also disclosed that 13.6 million accounts were permanently closed or deactivated for various violations of community standards and the Code of Practice.
Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, described the submissions as an important milestone in advancing digital safety in Nigeria. “The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerian users,” she said. The agency emphasized that collaboration among regulators, platforms, and civil society remains vital to strengthening online trust and transparency.
NITDA commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance, noting that the transparency provided by their disclosures is central to accountability in digital governance. However, the regulator also stressed that enforcement alone was not enough. “Building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders,” the statement added.
Nigeria has been steadily tightening oversight of digital platforms as part of broader reforms aimed at shaping the country’s fast-growing digital economy. Authorities have repeatedly argued that while social media and other online platforms are crucial for commerce and communication, they also carry risks such as misinformation, cyberbullying, online fraud, and exploitation.
The Code of Practice, introduced in 2022, was designed to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding users. With the 2024 compliance disclosures, NITDA highlighted progress made but reiterated the need for sustained vigilance and cooperation to ensure Nigeria’s digital space remains safe, transparent, and inclusive.