The Nigerian government has announced the shutdown of over 13.5 million social media accounts for allegedly posting offensive content and violating the country’s digital code of practice.
Platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) were affected, with tech giants including Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, and X enforcing the action.
According to Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, a staggering 58.9 million pieces of offensive content were removed. Out of these, 420,439 contents were re-uploaded after users successfully appealed.
Umar noted that the exercise aims to create a safer online environment for Nigerians, stressing that the reports from these platforms show genuine efforts to protect users. She added that sustained collaboration among regulators, civil groups, and tech companies is still required to strengthen digital safety.
The Code of Practice, issued by the Nigerian government in 2022, guides these actions. It mandates that platforms must quickly take down unlawful content within 48 hours of receiving complaints from users or government agencies. The code also requires social media companies to provide user information to security agencies when ordered by a court, especially in cases involving cybercrime, national security, child abuse, or revenge porn.
For many Nigerians, this move raises concerns about online freedom versus digital safety. While the government insists the shutdown promotes trust and accountability, some citizens fear it could be used as a tool for censorship and surveillance.
