The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Wednesday announced that major technology companies, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, deactivated more than 13.5 million accounts in Nigeria in 2024 as part of compliance with the country’s Code of Practice for online safety.

The disclosure followed the submission of the 2024 compliance report under the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, jointly issued by NITDA, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

The Code sets obligations for large service providers, including mandatory registration in Nigeria, adherence to local laws, tax compliance, and user protection against harmful digital practices.

According to NITDA, users lodged 754,629 complaints in 2024, resulting in the removal of more than 58.9 million harmful pieces of content. An additional 420,439 posts were initially taken down but later restored after successful appeals by users.

The report further revealed that 13,597,057 accounts were permanently shut down for violations ranging from misinformation to harmful conduct.

In a statement signed by its Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar, NITDA described the report as a “significant step” in fostering digital accountability and user safety.

“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerian users,” the agency said. “Building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration among stakeholders. We remain committed to strengthening user safety measures, enhancing digital literacy, and promoting transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”

The agency commended the tech giants for complying with the Code of Practice, stressing that transparency through annual disclosures was central to Nigeria’s digital governance framework.

Nigeria has tightened regulatory oversight of social media and digital platforms in recent years amid concerns over misinformation, online bullying, fraud, and exploitation. The Code of Practice, introduced in 2022, was designed to strike a balance between safeguarding users and encouraging digital innovation.

While welcoming progress, NITDA urged sustained collaboration between regulators, tech companies, and civil society to ensure that Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy remains safe, transparent, and inclusive.