The Federal Government has suspended the implementation and enforcement of newly introduced regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other key areas of the digital economy, pending the development of a unified national policy framework.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, after a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
In a statement released on Tuesday, July 7, the ministry said the three agencies have been instructed to continue operating under the existing regulatory framework while efforts to harmonise digital economy policies are ongoing. As a result, the implementation and enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, codes, directives and administrative requirements relating to internet platforms and other cross-sector digital economy issues will be put on hold where they are subject to the ongoing review.
The minister, however, clarified that the suspension does not override the statutory mandates of the agencies. Existing regulations that fall within the legal authority of each regulator will remain in effect, provided they are consistent with the ministry’s overall policy direction.
Tijani explained that the rapid convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance has created overlapping regulatory responsibilities, making stronger coordination among agencies essential. He said a harmonised regulatory framework would provide greater legal certainty for businesses, attract investment, encourage innovation, boost consumer confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading digital economy.
To drive the process, the ministry announced the establishment of a joint technical coordination committee made up of representatives from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC. The committee will lead stakeholder consultations and develop recommendations for a unified national policy and governance framework aimed at clearly defining the responsibilities of each regulator, reducing compliance uncertainty and improving regulatory coordination.
The ministry emphasised that the harmonisation initiative is designed to strengthen collaboration among regulators and not to diminish the legal powers or statutory responsibilities of any of the agencies.
The latest directive comes less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu instructed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to investigate major technology companies and generative artificial intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the exploitation of Nigerian media content.
