The Federal Government has suspended the implementation of new regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other key areas of the digital economy, pending the development of a harmonised national policy framework.
The directive, announced on Tuesday by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, is aimed at preventing overlapping regulations among government agencies and creating a more coordinated approach to governing Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital sector.
According to the minister, the decision followed a strategic meeting involving 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 issued after the meeting, Tijani said the three agencies had been directed to suspend the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, frameworks, codes and administrative directives relating to internet platforms and other digital economy issues currently undergoing policy harmonisation.
He explained that the existing regulatory framework would remain in place until the harmonisation exercise is completed.
“The existing regulatory status quo shall be maintained with respect to matters relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation under the Ministry’s coordination,” the statement said.
The minister added that regulators should suspend the enforcement of any recently introduced regulatory measures that form part of the ongoing harmonisation process.
According to him, this includes regulations, guidelines, codes, frameworks, directives and administrative requirements affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters.
However, Tijani stressed that the directive does not suspend the legal responsibilities of the agencies involved.
He clarified that existing regulations falling strictly within the statutory powers of each agency would continue to be enforced, provided they align with the policy direction issued by the ministry.
“All other provisions of existing regulations, guidelines, codes and directives that fall squarely within the express mandates of the relevant agencies under extant laws shall remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they are consistent with the policy direction issued by the Honourable Minister,” the statement added.
The minister said the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy has resulted in increasing overlap among regulators responsible for telecommunications, information technology, data protection, online platforms and emerging technologies.
According to him, technological developments have blurred the traditional boundaries separating the responsibilities of different regulatory agencies.
He noted that the rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety concerns and data governance has made greater collaboration among regulators necessary.
“The convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach to policy development and implementation,” Tijani said.
He added that a harmonised regulatory environment would provide greater certainty for investors and technology companies while encouraging innovation and protecting consumers.
According to the minister, regulatory certainty is essential for attracting investment into Nigeria’s digital economy and supporting the country’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading technology hub.
“Regulatory coordination is not only essential to preserving legal certainty but is also fundamental to promoting investment, innovation, consumer confidence and Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy,” he stated.
As part of the new directive, the minister announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee made up of representatives from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC.
The committee will be responsible for coordinating consultations with stakeholders across the technology ecosystem and developing recommendations for a unified national policy and governance framework.
The proposed framework is expected to clearly define the responsibilities of the three agencies, reduce regulatory duplication, eliminate compliance uncertainty for businesses and strengthen investor confidence.
It will also seek to improve coordination among government institutions responsible for regulating Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.
The ministry explained that the harmonisation exercise is intended to improve cooperation among regulators rather than reduce or transfer the statutory powers granted to them by existing laws.
Government officials say the move is designed to ensure that businesses operating in Nigeria’s digital space are not subjected to conflicting regulations from multiple agencies.
Technology companies, internet service providers and digital platform operators have repeatedly called for clearer regulatory guidelines to improve ease of doing business and encourage investment.
The latest directive is expected to provide temporary regulatory stability while consultations continue on a unified framework.
The announcement also comes less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed 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.
That directive signalled the Federal Government’s increasing focus on the regulation of digital platforms, particularly as artificial intelligence, social media and online services continue to play a larger role in Nigeria’s economy.
They argue that while regulation is necessary to protect consumers, promote fair competition and safeguard personal data, overlapping rules can discourage investment and slow the growth of the digital economy.
Nigeria’s digital economy has become one of the country’s fastest-growing sectors, contributing significantly to national output through telecommunications, financial technology, e-commerce, digital payments and online services.
The sector has also attracted billions of naira in local and foreign investment over the past decade, with government identifying digital innovation as a key driver of economic diversification and job creation.
The Tinubu administration has repeatedly stated its commitment to building a strong digital economy capable of creating employment opportunities, expanding internet access and positioning Nigeria as a leading technology destination in Africa.