FG Orders NCC, NITDA, NDPC to Delay Enforcement of New Internet Platform Rules
The Federal Government has directed key digital sector regulators to suspend the implementation of recently introduced regulations governing internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other cross-cutting digital economy issues pending the development of a harmonised national policy framework.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, following 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 issued on Tuesday, the minister said the affected agencies would defer the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, codes, frameworks, directives, and administrative requirements relating to internet platforms and digital economy matters currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation.
According to the statement, the existing regulatory framework will remain in force while the harmonisation process is ongoing.
“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.
It, however, clarified that the directive does not affect the statutory mandates of the respective regulatory agencies. Existing regulations and guidelines that fall within their legal responsibilities will remain valid and enforceable, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.
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Tijani noted that the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy has led to increasing overlaps in the responsibilities of sector regulators, particularly in areas such as telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety, and data governance.
He said a coordinated regulatory approach was necessary to eliminate duplication, provide certainty for investors and operators, promote innovation, and strengthen consumer confidence.
“Regulatory coordination is essential not only for preserving legal certainty but also for promoting investment, innovation, consumer confidence, and Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy,” the minister said.
As part of the initiative, the ministry will establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA, and NDPC. The committee will coordinate stakeholder consultations and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework for Nigeria’s digital economy.
According to the minister, the framework will clearly define the responsibilities of the three agencies, reduce regulatory overlaps and compliance uncertainties, strengthen investor confidence, and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.
The ministry stressed that the harmonisation exercise is intended to improve policy coherence rather than diminish the statutory responsibilities of any regulatory institution, ensuring a coordinated, predictable, and future-ready regulatory environment.
The directive comes less than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered 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.
By PRNigeria
