The Nigerian federal government has confirmed the closure of approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts across platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The action was taken in response to widespread violations of the 2024 Code of Practice, which governs the conduct of users and platforms operating within Nigeria’s digital space. Offenses ranged from the dissemination of offensive content to breaches of platform guidelines and national regulations.
The crackdown was detailed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). According to the report, nearly 59 million pieces of harmful content were removed during the review period, while over 754,000 complaints were lodged by users. Of those, more than 420,000 pieces of content were taken down and later restored following appeals.
NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, Hadiza Umar, emphasized that the mass account shutdown reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment. She praised tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their cooperation and compliance with the Code of Practice, which mandates that major platforms register locally, adhere to tax laws, and implement robust content moderation systems.
The move has sparked debate among digital rights advocates, who argue that while online safety is critical, transparency and due process must be upheld. Government officials maintain that the enforcement is part of a broader strategy to combat cybercrime, misinformation, and digital abuse, ensuring that Nigeria’s online ecosystem remains secure and trustworthy.
