Nigerian Government Closes Over 13 Million Social Media Accounts For Offensive Content.
The Nigerian Federal Government has taken bold steps to regulate the digital space, shutting down approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts across platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X. The mass closure, announced on 20 August 2025, targets accounts deemed to have violated Nigeria’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms due to offensive content and breaches of conduct.
According to the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report, jointly prepared by major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, a staggering 58,909,112 pieces of offensive content were removed from these platforms throughout 2024. The report, submitted under the authority of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a safer online environment. Additionally, 754,629 user complaints were officially recorded, with 420,439 pieces of content reinstated following appeals.
Hajiya Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, praised the compliance efforts of Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, noting that the report highlights their dedication to addressing user safety concerns. “The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users,” Umar said in a statement. She added that the actions reflect the Code of Practice’s mandate, which requires large service platforms to register in Nigeria, comply with local laws, and fulfil tax obligations.
The crackdown has sparked varied reactions. Some Nigerians have hailed the move as a necessary measure to curb harmful online behaviour, with one social media user proclaiming, “Nigeria will be great again!” Others, however, have raised concerns about potential overreach and the implications for free expression. The government has yet to provide specific details on the nature of the offensive content, but the scale of the closures suggests a robust enforcement of the regulatory framework introduced by the NCC, NITDA, and NBC.
This development follows global trends in social media regulation, with countries like the United States also grappling with platform oversight, as seen in the temporary TikTok ban enacted in January 2025 over national security concerns. In Nigeria, the focus remains on ensuring platforms align with local laws while protecting users from harmful content. As the digital landscape evolves, the government’s actions signal a proactive stance in shaping a secure and accountable online space for its citizens.
