The Federal Government of Nigeria has carried out a sweeping digital enforcement operation, removing over 58.9 million harmful online posts and disabling 13.6 million social media accounts as part of efforts to strengthen online safety and regulatory compliance.
The large-scale action followed the release of the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, compiled with input from global technology firms including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. The report detailed coordinated efforts to tackle the spread of harmful digital content across major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.
Brandspur Brand News reports that a total of 58,909,112 pieces of content were taken down for violating Nigeria’s online safety regulations, including materials linked to hate speech, disinformation, violent imagery, terrorism-related propaganda, and child exploitation.
In addition to content removals, authorities enforced strict penalties on user behaviour, leading to the permanent suspension of 13,597,057 accounts found to have repeatedly breached digital conduct rules. Regulators emphasised that the action reflects a firm stance against online activities capable of inciting unrest, enabling fraud, or threatening national security.
Data from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) also showed that 754,629 user complaints were filed through official reporting channels. Of these, 420,439 posts were initially removed for review, with a portion later restored after undergoing appeal processes, demonstrating a balance between enforcement and user rights.
The report further highlighted strong compliance among social media platforms, with a 98 per cent success rate in responding to government takedown requests within a 24-hour timeframe by mid-2025. This development has significantly reduced the spread of harmful content associated with cybercrime, election interference, and social unrest.
Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, which now boasts more than 122 million active users, continues to expand rapidly, making regulatory oversight increasingly critical. Authorities say the latest crackdown underscores growing collaboration between government institutions and global tech companies to ensure safer online engagement.
Officials noted that the initiative aligns with broader digital economy objectives, positioning Nigeria as a leading force in Africa’s internet governance landscape while prioritising the protection of citizens in an evolving digital environment.
