Nigerian Govt Issues New Operational Code to Twitter,Facebook, Instagram, Others

The Nigerian Government has issued a new operational code of practice for Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok amongst others to protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians resident in the country.

Consequently, and in line with the new code of practice, they have been directed to appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities and ensure that they comply with all applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law.

A statement released today in Abuja, the Nigerian capital city, by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said that the code was designed in accordance with a mandate from Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Government also ordered that they provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid publication of prohibited contents and unethical behaviour on their platform.
They are also to provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and delete any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time.

According to NITDA, it developed a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (Online Platforms), in collaboration with relevant Regulatory Agencies and Stakeholders adding that the code is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations.

“The Code of Practice was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as well as input from Interactive Computer Service Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok amongst others”, the statement said.

Head Corporate Affairs and External Relationship, Mrs Hadiza Umar, noted that other relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organisations and expert groups stressing that “the new global reality is that the activities conducted on these Online Platforms wield enormous influence over our society, social interaction, and economic choices.”

The Government described the Code of Practice as an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of Online Platforms with Nigerians to maximise mutual benefits for our nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy.
“Additionally, the Code of Practice sets out procedures to safeguard the security and welfare of Nigerians while interacting on these Platforms. It aims to demand accountability from Online Platforms regarding unlawful and harmful contents on their Platforms”, NITDA said.

“Furthermore, it establishes a robust framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians against online harms, such as hate speech, cyber-bullying, as well as disinformation and/or misinformation.

“Similarly, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to notify all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country”, the statement said.

These conditions address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. The conditions are as follows:
The Draft Code of Practice is available on the NITDA website via https://nitda.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Code-of-Practice.pdf for review and comments from the public.

The Federal Government wishes to reiterate its commitment towards ensuring Nigeria fully harness the potentials of the Digital Economy and safeguard the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.