Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts Deactivated In Nigeria

THE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), on Wednesday, August 20, disclosed that big tech companies/social media platforms, including Google, Microsoft, X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok, deactivated over 13.5 million accounts last year as part of compliance with Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online safety.
The 13,597,057 social media accounts were closed down for offensive content and violations of the Code of Practice by users of the platforms.
This was disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted to the government by promoters of interactive computer service platforms.
The Code of Practice, titled, ‘Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,’ was issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and NITDA.
A statement on Wednesday, August 20, by NITDA spokesperson, Hadiza Umar, said the compliance reports provided by the platforms revealed that users lodged a total of 754,629 complaints in 2024, leading to the takedown of 58,909,112 pieces of content judged to be harmful.
In addition, 420,439 items of content were removed and later re-uploaded, following successful appeals by users, while 13,597,057 accounts were permanently closed or deactivated for violations.
NITDA commended Google, Microsoft and TikTok for their continued compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries.
Umar said: “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns, in line with the Code of Practice, and the platforms’ community guidelines.
“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.
“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
The Code outlines clear obligations for large service providers to register in Nigeria, comply with local laws, meet their tax obligations and adopt measures to safeguard users from harmful online practices.
Nigeria has tightened oversight of major online platforms as part of wider efforts to regulate the country’s fast-expanding digital economy, arguing that while social media has become a vital tool for communication and commerce, it also poses risks, ranging from misinformation and cyberbullying to online fraud and exploitation.
The Code, introduced in 2022, is designed to strike a balance between encouraging innovation and safeguarding users.
NITDA said though the latest compliance disclosures underscored progress, it warned that protecting Nigerians from online harm required more than regulatory enforcement, urging continued cooperation among platforms, regulators and civil society to ensure the country’s digital ecosystem remained safe, transparent and inclusive.