Nigeria’s government says over 13.5 million social media accounts were shut for violating online rules.
Authorities also confirmed nearly 59 million offensive posts were removed to protect digital safety.
The Federal Government has announced the closure of more than 13.5 million social media accounts and the removal of nearly 59 million offensive posts across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X for violating Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms.
The development was disclosed in the 2024 Compliance Report submitted by leading technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, to regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC). The report highlighted coordinated efforts to curb harmful online activities ranging from hate speech and misinformation to cyberbullying and the promotion of unlawful content.
NITDA spokesperson, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, confirmed the action in a statement, stressing that the enforcement demonstrates government’s determination to create a safer digital environment for Nigerians. She explained that the clampdown is part of ongoing collaboration with international tech giants to strengthen compliance with local laws, promote transparency in digital operations, and ensure that online spaces do not undermine national security or public trust.
According to her, the government will continue to engage stakeholders to expand digital literacy, encourage responsible use of online platforms, and strengthen regulatory mechanisms to check abuse. She added that these measures are not meant to stifle free speech but to balance freedom of expression with accountability and safety in the digital ecosystem.
The Federal Government emphasized that the crackdown forms part of wider reforms aimed at protecting citizens, especially young people, from exposure to harmful and illegal content on social media.
