Nigeria Shuts Down 13 Million Social Media Accounts in Major Crackdown on Online Harm

Nigeria Shuts Down 13 Million Social Media Accounts in Major Crackdown on Online Harm

The Nigerian government has intensified its regulation of digital spaces, shutting down over 13 million social media accounts found guilty of violating the national Code of Practice.

The affected accounts, spread across TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter), were flagged for sharing offensive content and engaging in harmful online activities. This move forms part of the government’s broader effort to curb digital abuse and promote responsible online engagement.

Details of the crackdown were captured in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, jointly submitted by global tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. The report highlighted the removal of 58,909,112 pieces of harmful content, marking a significant milestone in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital environment.

Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), revealed that the government received 754,629 complaints on offensive content, with 420,439 items taken down following user appeals. She noted that the collaboration between NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) ensures compliance with Nigeria’s laws—ranging from tax obligations to content moderation.

“This achievement demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to creating a secure online environment, while also highlighting the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to strengthen user safety,” Umar said.

She further commended Google, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance efforts, stressing that the government remains committed to working with tech platforms, civil society, and regulators to boost digital literacy, promote transparency, and build trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.