The Federal Government of Nigeria has shutdown approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts on platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, citing violations involving offensive content and breaches of user conduct codes.
Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hajiya Hadiza Umar, disclosed that alongside the account closures, 58,909,112 pieces of offensive content were removed from various platforms.
The action, detailed in the 2024 Compliance Report on the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, was revealed on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as part of efforts to enforce stricter regulations on digital content.
The initiative stems from the 2022 Code of Practice, jointly enforced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The code requires major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, to register in Nigeria, meet tax obligations, and remove content that violates national laws, such as hate speech, misinformation, or material threatening public safety.
“The compliance reports demonstrate the commitment of these platforms to align with our Code of Practice and their own community guidelines,” Umar stated, adding: “This is a significant milestone in creating a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians.”
She emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering a secure online space, noting that the effort reflects broader goals of enhancing user safety and ensuring accountability. “We are committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to strengthen digital literacy and promote trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” she added.
The announcement has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters, such as Lagos-based tech analyst Ibrahim Sule, praised the government’s efforts to curb harmful content. “Online platforms have been misused to spread division and falsehoods. This is a necessary step,” Sule said.
However, critics, including the Citizens’ Digital Rights Forum, expressed concerns about potential censorship. “The lack of transparency on what qualifies as ‘offensive’ risks undermining free speech,” said spokesperson, Amaka Okoro.
No official statements have been issued by TikTok, Meta, or X regarding the reported account closures. The scale of the action, if confirmed, would mark one of the largest coordinated content moderation efforts in Nigeria’s history.
As public debate intensifies, the government has called for continued collaboration to address challenges in the digital space while balancing user rights and public safety.
