Tinubu Govt Deactivate Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts in Line With Nigeria’s Online Code of Practice
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed that top global Social Media technology platforms — Google, Microsoft, Meta, and TikTok — have deactivated more than 13 million user accounts in strict compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Online Platforms.
NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar, disclosed this on Wednesday in a statement issued in Abuja. PulseNets learnt that the move forms part of the submission of the 2024 compliance report mandated for large interactive service providers operating in Nigeria.
According to her, the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries was jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA. The guidelines focus on promoting online safety, curbing harmful content, and enhancing digital trust across Nigeria’s cyberspace.
Ms Umar told PulseNets:
“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the code of practice and the platforms’ community guidelines. The highlight of the overall statistics across all platforms shows that there are 754,629 registered complaints. We recorded 58,909,112 content takedowns and 420,439 removed and re-uploaded pieces of content following appeals by users. There were 13,597,057 closed and deactivated accounts.”
She explained that the submission of the compliance reports was not just a routine exercise but a landmark step towards building a safer and more responsible digital ecosystem for Nigerians.
According to her, the development also demonstrates the commitment of global platforms like Google, Microsoft, and TikTok to creating a secure and trustworthy online environment.
“This achievement reflects the provisions of the code of practice, which mandated that large service platforms were registered in Nigeria and complied with relevant laws, including the fulfilment of tax obligations. While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders,” Ms Umar reported.
She further spoke to PulseNets, stressing that NITDA remains committed to continuous collaboration with industry players, civil society groups, and regulatory partners to strengthen safety measures, boost digital literacy, and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s technology space.
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Ms Umar added that this joint effort will go a long way in building user trust, fighting harmful content, and ensuring compliance by major online service providers in Nigeria.
