Nigerian authorities have taken down nearly 59 million pieces of harmful online content and shut down more than 13.5 million social media accounts for violating the country’s internet regulations, according to a new compliance report.
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The data is contained in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The report tracks how global tech platforms are addressing online harms within Nigeria.
According to the report, a total of 58,909,112 pieces of content were removed from platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Google, and Microsoft. In addition, 13,597,057 user accounts were shut down for violating platform guidelines and the Nigerian Code of Practice for online platforms.
The government also recorded 754,629 user complaints, while 420,439 contents initially removed were later restored after user appeals, the report said.
Speaking in Abuja, Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications at NITDA, commended tech companies for adhering to the 2024 Code of Practice, which mandates that large platforms register locally, comply with tax regulations, and follow Nigerian laws.
“These reports mark a significant step towards building a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians,” Umar said in a statement. “They demonstrate a shared commitment to protecting users and promoting a trustworthy online space.”
Umar added that while current efforts are commendable, sustaining digital safety in Nigeria requires ongoing collaboration among regulators, tech firms, and civil society.
“We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to enhance digital literacy, enforce safety standards, and strengthen trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” she said.
The 2024 Code of Practice is part of the government’s broader push to curb misinformation, harmful content, and online abuse across digital platforms operating within the country.
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