FG Directs NCC, NITDA, NDPC to Harmonise Internet Platform Regulations

The Federal Government has directed regulatory agencies under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to adopt a unified approach to policies governing internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting issues within Nigeria's digital economy.

The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who instructed the agencies to maintain the current regulatory status quo while the government develops a harmonised national policy and governance framework.

According to a statement signed by the minister on Tuesday in Abuja, the decision is aimed at ensuring coordinated implementation of government policies in areas where the statutory responsibilities of regulators overlap.

Tijani said the directive followed a high-level 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).

He explained that the rapid expansion of Nigeria's digital economy has created areas where the mandates of the three agencies increasingly intersect, particularly in telecommunications, internet platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance.

According to the minister, although each institution operates within clearly defined legal mandates, the growing convergence of digital technologies requires stronger inter-agency coordination to ensure policy consistency and effective regulation.

He said regulatory coordination is essential not only for maintaining legal certainty but also for encouraging investment, driving innovation, strengthening consumer confidence and positioning Nigeria as Africa's leading digital economy.

"As part of the outcome of the meeting, 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," Tijani stated.

He further directed all relevant agencies to suspend the implementation or enforcement of any recently introduced regulations, guidelines, frameworks, codes, directives or administrative requirements affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries or other cross-cutting digital economy issues where policy harmonisation is still in progress.

The minister, however, clarified that the directive does not override the statutory responsibilities of the agencies.

He explained that existing regulations, guidelines and directives that fall squarely within the legal mandates of the respective institutions will remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they are consistent with the ministry's policy direction.

To drive the harmonisation process, Tijani announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Office of the Minister.

According to him, the committee will coordinate technical engagements, conduct extensive consultations with industry players, civil society organisations, academia and other stakeholders and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.

The minister said the objective is not to diminish the statutory powers of any agency but to ensure that the Federal Government speaks with one coherent voice on issues affecting the digital economy.

He noted that the proposed framework will clearly define the responsibilities of each regulator, eliminate unnecessary overlaps, reduce compliance uncertainty for businesses, strengthen investor confidence and promote innovation.

Tijani added that the reforms are designed to support Nigeria's ambition of becoming Africa's leading digital economy and a globally competitive destination for digital investment.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government's commitment to working collaboratively with regulators and stakeholders to develop policies that protect citizens, encourage innovation, strengthen digital trust and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in the global digital economy.