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FG shut down 13.6 million social media accounts.
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Report shows nearly 59 million offensive contents were removed in 2024.
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NITDA says effort ensures safer, transparent, and regulated online space in Nigeria.
The Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has announced the closure of more than 13 million social media accounts across platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that according to the government, the shutdown, which affected exactly 13,597,057 accounts, was carried out over the publication of offensive content and violations of Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms.
The disclosure was contained in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, submitted by promoters of major tech platforms such as Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
The Code of Practice, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was introduced to regulate online activities and reduce harmful digital content.
The compliance report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection”, revealed that 58,909,112 offensive contents were removed across various platforms in the year under review.
It further noted that platforms received 754,629 complaints from Nigerian users within the same period, while 420,439 contents were removed and later re-uploaded following user appeals.
In a statement signed on Wednesday, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, explained that the compliance efforts were aimed at ensuring a safer digital space for Nigerians.
“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. The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users,” Umar said.
She added that the reports also demonstrate the commitment of global platforms to creating a secure and trustworthy online ecosystem for Nigerians, while fulfilling obligations such as local registration and tax compliance.
Umar further stressed that ensuring digital safety requires continued collaboration among stakeholders, including regulators, civil society, and the private sector.
She said, “We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
