The Nigerian government has announced the shutdown of over 13.5 million social media accounts across platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) for sharing offensive or harmful content.

According to the 2024 Compliance Report, jointly prepared by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), this move is part of ongoing efforts to make the online space safer for Nigerians.

The report revealed that:

13,597,057 accounts were shut down.

58,909,112 pieces of offensive content were removed.

754,629 user complaints were received.

420,439 pieces of content were restored after successful appeals.

NITDA spokesperson, Hadiza Umar, praised the efforts of tech giants such as Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for complying with Nigeria’s Code of Practice.

“This is a major step toward building a safer digital environment. The government will continue working with industry stakeholders and civil society to promote digital literacy and protect users online,” she said.

The crackdown highlights Nigeria’s determination to regulate harmful online activities while ensuring that platforms remain spaces for safe expression and engagement.