The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies, including Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Microsoft, collectively paid N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes to the Nigerian Federal Government during the first six months of 2024.
In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter) titled “NITDA Commends Tech Giants for Adhering to Code of Practice,” the agency highlighted that data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows increased compliance by these foreign digital companies. The compliance has significantly boosted government revenue.
According to Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Head of Public Affairs, “Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms), contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024. This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.
Social Media Platforms: Content Regulation and User Complaints
NITDA also disclosed the actions taken by social media platforms to comply with the *Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries*. In 2023:
12.1 million Nigerian accounts were deactivated for various offenses.
65.8 million Nigerian-related contents were removed for violating platform policies.
4.126 million complaints from Nigerian users were received by social media platforms.
379,433 Nigerian contents initially removed** were later re-uploaded after appeals by their owners.
The compliance report from 2023 provided insights into the platforms’ efforts to promote user safety and align with community guidelines and the Code of Practice.
Progress and Continued Collaboration
NITDA commended Google, X, Microsoft, TikTok, and other platforms for adhering to the Code of Practice, which was jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA. The Code sets clear guidelines to ensure online safety and regulate harmful content.
While lauding the progress made so far, NITDA emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to tackle emerging challenges in the digital space. The agency reiterated its commitment to creating a safer and more responsible online environment through sustained regulatory efforts and partnerships with digital platforms.
