Nigeria’s Social Media Cleanup: 13.5m Accounts Deactivated as Compliance Code Bites

Nigeria’s online space has just undergone one of its most dramatic shake-ups yet.
The enforcement of the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries has led to the shutdown of over 13.5 million accounts across major social media platforms, in what government officials describe as a “turning point” in the fight against harmful digital content.

The Federal Government announced on Wednesday that tech giants including Google, Microsoft, TikTok, and Meta had submitted their compliance reports, showing massive takedowns and account closures carried out in 2024.

“This is a significant step towards a safer and more responsible digital environment for Nigerians,” said Hadiza Umar, spokesperson of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). “But it is only the beginning — we must remain vigilant.”
According to the reports:
754,629 user complaints were registered in Nigeria, 58.9 million harmful contents were taken down, 420,439 posts were reinstated following appeals; and 13,597,057 accounts were permanently closed or deactivated.

The compliance code — jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA — requires major digital platforms to register in Nigeria, pay taxes, and comply with local laws, while also adopting stricter measures to protect users.

A central theme in the reports is the growing role of artificial intelligence in policing cyberspace.

Google, for instance, disclosed in its 2024 Ads Safety Report that it had blocked 5.1 billion ads, restricted 9.1 billion more, and suspended 39 million advertiser accounts globally, attributing much of this to AI-driven moderation.

“AI allows us to act before bad actors reach users,” said Alex Rodriguez, Google’s General Manager for Ads Safety. “We’re moving from reactive cleanups to proactive protection.”

Meta, parent company of Facebook and Instagram, also reported an aggressive clampdown. In the first half of 2025, it removed 10 million fake profiles and 500,000 spam accounts, targeting impersonation rings and copycat content farms.

The company said repeat offenders will not only lose monetisation privileges but will also see their content reach sharply reduced.

While government officials hailed the compliance reports as proof of progress, digital rights advocates warn that the new regime must be carefully monitored to prevent overreach.

Critics argue that excessive takedowns could risk stifling free expression in a country where social media has become a powerful tool for activism, business, and youth engagement.

Still, NITDA insists the code is about safety, accountability, and transparency. “We are not trying to silence voices,” Umar stressed. “We are creating a digital ecosystem where freedom of expression goes hand in hand with user protection.”

Nigeria’s digital crackdown comes at a time when governments worldwide are pressing tech giants to do more to curb misinformation, online scams, and cyber-bullying.

By publishing compliance reports, Nigeria joins countries like the EU, India, and Australia, where regulators are tightening the screws on big tech.

“This is not just about Nigeria,” Umar noted. “It is about shaping global standards for a digital future that protects people, especially the young and vulnerable.”