By Muhammad Sal
Social media giants Meta and X have breached Nigeria’s Interactive Computer Service Platforms Code by failing to submit mandatory content moderation reports for 2024, putting them at risk of sanctions from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
According to the latest compliance assessment from NITDA, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, and X, formerly known as Twitter, have neglected critical obligations under the Nigerian Internet Code of Practice. While Meta has fulfilled some requirements like local incorporation, physical presence, and tax filings, it has not delivered its content moderation report in the format specified by NITDA, complicating effective oversight. On the other hand, X failed entirely to meet any criteria, including registering a Nigerian office, submitting reports, or appointing a local compliance officer.
The 2024 review, which also evaluated platforms such as LinkedIn, Google, and TikTok, noted moderate adherence from these companies, showing the varying degrees of cooperation within the industry. The report also revealed that these compliant platforms collectively disabled more than 13.5 million user accounts last year and enforced 58.9 million content removals. Additionally, over 420,000 appeals resulted in content being restored after initial takedowns.
NITDA voiced sharp concern over the accountability deficit displayed by Meta and X, emphasizing the necessity of uniform reporting to maintain digital responsibility.
“Meta’s inability to conform to the prescribed reporting template impedes comparative assessments across the sector,” the agency remarked. It was particularly alarmed by X’s wholesale disregard for the Code’s provisions, describing the situation as a serious breach of Nigerian regulations.
While the report stops short of naming specific punishments, NITDA officials confirmed non-compliance contravenes the NITDA Act and warrants sanctions. The agency remains in deliberation over the appropriate penalties, given that the current Code does not elaborate on enforcement measures.
Prof. Isa Pantami, the immediate past Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and a key architect of the Internet Code, stated,
This regulatory framework was designed to prevent tech behemoths from overshadowing sovereign governance, ensuring they remain accountable within Nigeria’s jurisdiction.
A NITDA spokesperson added,
We are committed to enforcing the Code to uphold online safety and protect Nigerians from harmful content. Companies must demonstrate proactive cooperation, or face consequences
Meta and X’s refusal to comply marks a crucial turning point for digital governance in Nigeria. As regulators consider possible penalties, the fact that some other platforms are only partially cooperating exposes the challenges in meeting the industry’s regulatory standards. We can from now, expect stricter enforcement and clearer rules to make sure all tech companies follow Nigeria’s digital laws, ultimately creating safer online spaces for everyone across the country.
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