Nigeria Postpones New Internet Platform Rules for National Framework
The Nigerian government has directed key regulatory agencies to delay the implementation of new rules targeting internet platforms, online intermediaries and broader digital economy issues until a harmonised national policy framework is finalised.
The directive was issued today by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy.
The decision followed a high-level strategic meeting with leaders of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). The postponement aims to avoid fragmented or overlapping regulations that could create uncertainty for businesses and users in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital sector.
The NCC has been advancing its Internet Code of Practice, which covers community guidelines for digital platforms, child protection, traffic management, AI deployment and governance standards aligned with national security and consumer interests. Consultations on amendments began in 2025, with guidance notes issued earlier this year. Parallel initiatives by NITDA on IT standards and the NDPC on data privacy had raised concerns about conflicting obligations for tech companies and social media operators.
Dr Tijani’s intervention reflects the Tinubu administration’s emphasis on coordinated digital transformation. The minister has promoted projects such as the Nigerian Digital Public Infrastructure framework, national fibre backbone development and efforts to increase broadband penetration, while seeking to balance innovation with safeguards against harmful content and data misuse.
A senior government source described the directive as “pragmatic housekeeping” to ensure policies support economic growth. “We want a single, coherent framework that reflects Nigeria’s realities – protecting citizens, enabling businesses, and positioning the country as a digital leader in Africa,” the source said.
The delay is expected to be welcomed by digital platforms concerned about compliance costs and regulatory multiplicity. Critics may argue it slows progress on online safety, misinformation and data sovereignty. No new implementation date has been announced.
