The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that it shut down 13,597,057 social media accounts across platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), for posting offensive content and violating Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms.

 

The agency disclosed this in a statement following the submission of the 2024 Compliance Report by major service providers such as Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.

 

Despite the scale of the shutdown, NITDA commended the platforms for their cooperation and adherence to regulations jointly developed with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

 

Highlights of the 2024 Compliance Report include:

 

Registered complaints: 754,629

 

Content removed: 58,909,112

 

Content reuploaded after appeal: 420,439

 

Accounts shut down/deactivated: 13,597,057

 

 

According to the agency, the figures reflect ongoing efforts by service providers to protect users and ensure harmful content is removed in line with national laws.

 

NITDA reiterated that all online platforms operating in Nigeria must be locally registered, comply with tax requirements, and adhere strictly to the Code of Practice.

 

The agency added that it will continue to work with industry stakeholders, civil society groups, and regulators to strengthen user safety, promote digital literacy, and uphold transparency within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.