FG Shuts Down 13.6m Social Media Accounts Over Offensive Content

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By Odekunle Doyin

…Massive Crackdown on Harmful Online Activities

The Federal Government has deactivated 13,597,057 social media accounts belonging to Nigerian users for spreading offensive content and violating online safety regulations.

The shutdown, which affected platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), was disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report jointly prepared by global tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.

58.9m Harmful Posts Deleted

According to the report released on Wednesday, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) confirmed that 58,909,112 offensive posts were taken down across platforms in the last year.

The Director of Corporate Communications at NITDA, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, revealed that the government also received 754,629 user complaints on harmful content. She further disclosed that 420,439 posts were deleted and later re-uploaded after user appeals were reviewed.

Tech Giants Commended for Compliance

The report commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their continued compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.

“The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and community guidelines,” the statement noted.

Stronger Regulations to Protect Nigerians Online

The government emphasized that the reports highlight Nigeria’s commitment to fostering a safer digital environment, while ensuring that global tech companies operating in Nigeria remain registered, tax-compliant, and law-abiding.

“While these achievements are commendable, building a safe digital space requires sustained collaboration among all stakeholders,” Umar stated.

She added that NITDA will continue to work with industry players, civil society groups, and regulators to strengthen user safety measures, improve digital literacy, and promote transparency in Nigeria’s online ecosystem.