In a year marked by global debates on digital safety, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has shone a spotlight on the role of major tech platforms in protecting users from online harms.
The Agency, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), has released the much-anticipated 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, commending Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their proactive measures in safeguarding Nigerians online.
The Code of Practice, jointly issued by the three regulators, was designed to serve as a blueprint for responsible online governance.
It sets out guidelines for how interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries must operate in Nigeria, balancing freedom of expression with the urgent need to curb harmful content, misinformation, scams, and digital abuse.
The Numbers Behind the Efforts
The 2024 compliance report is not just a bureaucratic requirement, it is a window into how some of the world’s biggest platforms are responding to Nigeria’s digital realities.
According to the report, the platforms collectively recorded:
- 754,629 registered complaints from users seeking redress.
- 58,909,112 harmful contents taken down, ranging from hate speech to scams and misinformation.
- 420,439 instances where content was removed and later reinstated after users appealed.
- 13,597,057 accounts closed or deactivated for violating community guidelines and Nigeria’s Code of Practice.
For many Nigerians, these figures illustrate both the scale of the problem and the intensity of the response. Behind every complaint and takedown is a user who felt unsafe, a scam that was stopped, or a harmful narrative that was contained.
Why it Matters for Nigeria
The compliance report signals more than just statistics, it represents a deepening partnership between Nigeria’s regulators and global tech giants.
The Code of Practice mandates that large service platforms must register in Nigeria, comply with national laws (including tax obligations), and prioritize the safety of users.
“This achievement demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to creating a secure and trustworthy online environment for all Nigerians,” said Mrs. Hadiza Umar, director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations at NITDA.
At a time when scams, cyberbullying, disinformation, and extremist content are global concerns, Nigeria’s proactive approach underscores the government’s determination to balance digital innovation with user safety.
Collaboration is Key
Still, NITDA is clear that the work is far from over. In its statement, the Agency emphasized that building a safe and trustworthy digital space will require sustained collaboration among government regulators, industry players, civil society, and the users themselves.
The Agency has committed to strengthening user safety measures through:
- Expanding digital literacy campaigns so that citizens are better equipped to navigate online spaces.
- Promoting transparency and trust, ensuring platforms remain accountable in their content moderation practices.
- Deepening partnerships with tech companies, to ensure safety measures keep pace with evolving digital threats.
A Safer Digital Future
The 2024 compliance report not only celebrates progress but also sets the stage for Nigeria’s digital future. As the country pushes forward with its digital economy agenda, ensuring safe participation for all, children, youth, professionals, and businesses, will remain a national priority.
With platforms like Google, Microsoft, and TikTok leading the charge in compliance, and regulators like NITDA, NCC, and NBC holding the line, Nigeria is sending a clear message: the internet can and must be a place where innovation thrives without compromising user safety.
