The Federal Government has suspended the enforcement of overlapping regulations governing internet platforms as part of efforts to establish a unified regulatory framework for Nigeria’s digital economy. A directive issued by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy instructs regulators to retain the existing framework while policies on internet platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety, and data governance are being harmonised.
The decision follows concerns that the Nigerian Communications Commission’s draft Internet Code of Practice released in 2025 duplicated provisions already contained in the National Information Technology Development Agency’s 2022 Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries. Communications Minister Dr Bosun Tijani said the harmonisation exercise is intended to eliminate regulatory duplication without undermining the statutory responsibilities of individual agencies.
Under the directive, regulators have been asked to suspend the implementation of new rules relating to internet platforms where policies are currently under review. A Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission, the National Information Technology Development Agency, and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission has also been established to engage stakeholders and develop a coordinated national governance framework.
The ministry said the harmonised framework will clearly define the responsibilities of regulators, reduce compliance uncertainty for businesses, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy. The move is expected to provide temporary relief for technology companies, startups, and global digital platforms that have faced multiple reporting and compliance obligations from different government agencies.