FG Deactivates Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts, Deletes Nearly 59 Million Offensive Posts
The Federal Government has shut down more than 13 million social media accounts and removed close to 59 million offensive posts across major platforms as part of a sweeping crackdown on harmful online content.
The action was revealed in the 2024 Compliance Report submitted by global technology companies including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok to Nigerian regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
According to the report, 13,597,057 accounts were deactivated for breaching Nigeria’s Code of Practice for online platforms, while 58,909,112 offensive posts were taken down from TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). The platforms also recorded over 754,000 user complaints, leading to reviews that saw 420,439 posts restored after successful appeals.
Speaking on the development, NITDA’s spokesperson, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, said the move reflects the government’s commitment to creating a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians.
She noted that the effort is not designed to silence voices but to ensure that online platforms operating in Nigeria remain accountable to local laws.
“The government will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to strengthen digital literacy, promote transparency, and curb the spread of harmful and misleading content. This is about protecting citizens while ensuring that platforms operate responsibly,” Umar stated.
The Code of Practice requires social media companies to register locally, pay applicable taxes, and put in place systems that allow users to report harmful content and appeal moderation decisions.
While government officials hailed the action as a victory for online safety, it has drawn mixed reactions from citizens and digital rights advocates. Supporters argue that it will help curb cybercrime, hate speech, and misinformation, while critics warn that such a large-scale crackdown risks undermining free expression and could inadvertently silence journalists, activists, and legitimate commentators.
Despite the controversy, the Federal Government has maintained that the clampdown is a necessary step toward building trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Authorities also announced plans to intensify public awareness campaigns to help citizens identify and report offensive content, while keeping watch on the compliance of social media companies with Nigerian laws.
This sweeping enforcement marks one of the largest digital regulatory actions in Africa, underlining Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping the rules of online engagement on the continent.
