Nigeria Closes 13.5M Accounts to Enforce Digital Safety Rules

In 2024, Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) reported the deactivation or closure of over 13.5 million social media accounts due to violations of the country’s Code of Practice for online platforms. These actions, carried out in collaboration with major platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), were disclosed in the 2024 Compliance Report. The report indicated that platforms received 754,629 complaints, leading to the removal of 58.9 million instances of content deemed offensive or harmful. Additionally, 420,439 pieces of content were re-uploaded following user appeals[3].

The compliance efforts were guided by the Code of Practice, introduced in 2022 by the Nigerian government. This regulatory framework mandates that social media platforms act swiftly on complaints, particularly those related to unlawful content, including non-consensual material, harassment, and deepfakes. The code requires platforms to acknowledge and remove such content within 48 hours of notification from authorized government agencies or users. It also obligates platforms to disclose the identity of content creators when court-ordered, especially in cases involving threats to national security or public order[2].

NITDA has praised the cooperation of major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, in enforcing these regulations. The agency emphasized that these actions align with national laws and contribute to creating a safer digital environment for Nigerian users. It also reiterated that all platforms operating in Nigeria must be locally registered, comply with tax obligations, and adhere to the code to continue their operations in the country[1].

While NITDA acknowledged the progress made by the platforms, it highlighted the need for continued improvement in several areas. These include enhancing the transparency of reporting mechanisms, increasing the speed of response to harmful content, and strengthening the robustness of user appeal processes. The agency emphasized that these challenges remain critical to ensuring the digital ecosystem is both secure and conducive to innovation[1].

The government’s approach to digital regulation has underscored the balance between protecting user safety and preserving online freedom. NITDA has indicated its commitment to working with industry stakeholders, civil society, and regulatory bodies to refine digital policies. It aims to foster trust and transparency while promoting digital literacy among users. These efforts reflect Nigeria’s broader strategy to align with global standards for digital governance while addressing local concerns about misinformation and harmful content[3].

The reported actions and compliance figures illustrate the scale of enforcement under the Code of Practice. While the removal of over 58 million content items and the closure of over 13 million accounts demonstrate significant activity, the data also reveals ongoing challenges in maintaining user trust and ensuring equitable enforcement. NITDA has called for sustained collaboration among all parties to address these issues and improve the effectiveness of digital safety initiatives[2].

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[1] NITDA Report Reveals Over 58 Million Content Takedowns ... (https://techafricanews.com/2025/08/21/nitda-report-reveals-over-58-million-content-takedowns-by-tech-platforms-in-2024/)

[2] Nigerian Govt Closes 13.5Million Social Media Accounts ... (https://saharareporters.com/2025/08/20/nigerian-govt-closes-135million-social-media-accounts-offensive-content-removes-nearly)

[3] FG shuts down over 13.5 million social media accounts for code violations (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/08/fg-shuts-down-over-13-5-million-social-media-accounts-for-code-violations/)