The Federal Government has ordered major digital regulatory agencies to temporarily stop enforcing newly introduced rules affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other digital economy activities. The decision is aimed at creating a single and coordinated policy that will guide the regulation of Nigeria’s fast-growing digital sector.
The directive was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, after a high-level meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
According to the minister, all three agencies have been instructed to continue using the existing regulatory framework while the government works on harmonising policies that currently overlap. This means that any recently introduced regulations, guidelines, codes, frameworks, or administrative requirements affecting internet platforms and related digital services will not be enforced until the review process is completed.
The government explained that the temporary suspension is necessary because different regulators now oversee areas that increasingly overlap due to the rapid growth of technology. As digital services continue to expand into areas such as telecommunications, artificial intelligence, online safety, and data protection, there is a need for a more coordinated approach to regulation.
Tijani stated that maintaining a unified policy will provide greater clarity for businesses, investors, technology companies, and consumers. He noted that a clear regulatory environment will encourage investment, support innovation, strengthen consumer confidence, and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness as one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
The minister also clarified that the directive does not remove or reduce the legal powers of the affected agencies. He explained that each regulator will continue to carry out its responsibilities under existing laws, provided those actions are consistent with the ministry’s ongoing policy harmonisation efforts. Regulations that fall within the agencies’ legal mandates and are not affected by the review will remain in force.
As part of the process, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee. The committee will include representatives from the NCC, NITDA, and NDPC. Its responsibility will be to engage with stakeholders, review existing regulations, and develop recommendations for a single national policy framework.
The planned framework is expected to clearly define the responsibilities of each regulatory agency, reduce duplicated functions, eliminate uncertainty for businesses, and improve confidence among local and international investors. It is also intended to support Nigeria’s long-term goal of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.
The ministry emphasized that the policy harmonisation exercise is designed to improve coordination rather than weaken the authority of any regulatory institution. Officials believe that a unified approach will make it easier for businesses to comply with regulations while ensuring effective oversight of the country’s growing digital ecosystem.
The announcement comes shortly 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 behaviour and the use of Nigerian media content without fair compensation. Together, these developments signal the government’s renewed focus on strengthening the regulation of Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital industry while promoting innovation and economic growth.
