Abuja, August 2025 – The Nigerian government has confirmed the blocking of about 13.5 million social media accounts for posting offensive content and violating the provisions of the 2024 Code of Practice for Online Platforms.
According to authorities, the enforcement action targeted major platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). In addition to the blocked accounts, roughly 59 million pieces of harmful content were removed during the nationwide crackdown.
Government’s Position
Officials described the move as part of a broader effort to strengthen oversight of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital space. While acknowledging the economic and social value of social media, regulators stressed that the platforms have also become channels for misinformation, cyberbullying, fraud, exploitation, and extremist content.
“Social media has become a vital tool for communication and commerce in Nigeria,” a government spokesperson said. “But its unchecked misuse can undermine public safety, destabilize communities, and expose citizens to harm. The Code of Practice was introduced to ensure accountability, and this action demonstrates our commitment to enforcing it.”
The Code of Practice
The 2024 Code of Practice sets mandatory standards for social media platforms operating in Nigeria. These include requirements to swiftly remove harmful posts, curb the spread of false information, provide transparent reporting of content moderation, and ensure user safety. Platforms that fail to comply risk sanctions, including fines and restrictions on their services.
Scope of the Crackdown
Authorities noted that the latest enforcement spanned several months of monitoring and collaboration with technology companies. The 13.5 million blocked accounts were identified as repeat offenders engaged in sustained violations such as hate speech, impersonation, fraudulent activities, and the distribution of exploitative content.
The removal of 59 million harmful posts covered material deemed to incite violence, promote scams, or endanger vulnerable users. Officials said many of the flagged posts had significant engagement before takedown, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
Public and Industry Reaction
The sweeping action has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that stricter control is necessary to safeguard users, protect young people, and maintain social stability in an era of digital misinformation. Critics, however, warn that broad account suspensions could have implications for freedom of expression and digital rights, particularly in a country where social media has become a central space for civic engagement and political debate.
Outlook
Nigeria, home to one of Africa’s largest online populations, continues to balance the benefits of a vibrant digital economy with the risks of online harm. The government has signaled that further measures may be introduced to ensure compliance by global tech platforms, while civil society groups are calling for transparent appeal mechanisms to protect legitimate users.
With internet penetration expected to keep rising, the debate over regulation, accountability, and digital freedoms is set to remain at the center of Nigeria’s tech policy agenda.
