The Federal Government has announced the shutdown of more than 13 million social media accounts across various platforms for violations related to offensive and harmful content.
The disclosure was contained in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, jointly submitted by major global technology firms including Google, Microsoft, TikTok, Meta (owners of Facebook and Instagram), and X (formerly Twitter).
According to the report, a total of 13,597,057 accounts were permanently disabled following multiple breaches of Nigeria’s digital content regulations. The platforms also confirmed that they acted on millions of pieces of content that violated the country’s online safety framework.
In addition to the account closures, the report highlighted the removal of approximately 58,909,112 offensive contents, ranging from hate speech and misinformation to sexually explicit and violent material. It further disclosed that about 754,629 formal complaints were registered by users, many of whom flagged content deemed offensive or misleading.
Interestingly, the report noted that 420,439 pieces of content were later restored after successful appeals by users who argued that their posts did not violate platform guidelines or national regulations.
Speaking on the development, the spokesperson for the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Hajiya Hadiza Umar, explained that the government’s action aligns with its commitment to creating a safe and responsible digital environment for Nigerians.
“The Federal Government, through the Code of Practice, is ensuring that technology companies take responsibility for the safety and security of their platforms in Nigeria. This is not about censorship; it is about protecting citizens from harmful and misleading content while encouraging digital literacy and trust in online platforms,” she stated.
Hajiya Umar also stressed that the government would continue to strengthen partnerships with industry players, civil society groups, and regulatory agencies to promote transparency, accountability, and user protection in the digital space.
The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of misinformation, cybercrime, online harassment, and extremist propaganda on social media platforms in the country. Nigeria, which has one of the fastest-growing internet populations in Africa, has faced increasing pressure to regulate the digital space without stifling freedom of expression.
Observers note that while the shutdown of millions of accounts may be viewed as a step toward curbing harmful content, it could also raise questions about balance between regulation and rights, especially in a country where social media plays a vital role in political discourse, business growth, and civic engagement.
The Federal Government, however, insists that the measure is not intended to suppress free speech but rather to safeguard citizens and build a healthier online community.
