The federal government has suspended the implementation and enforcement of recently introduced regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters as it moves to develop a unified national policy framework.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, the three regulatory agencies have been directed to maintain the current regulatory framework while the ministry coordinates an inter-agency harmonisation process to eliminate overlaps in digital economy regulation.
The statement explained that the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, codes, frameworks, directives and administrative requirements relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues should be put on hold where they are covered by the ongoing harmonisation exercise.
“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.
However, the minister clarified that the suspension does not affect the statutory responsibilities of the agencies involved.
He noted that existing regulations, guidelines and directives that fall strictly within the legal mandates of the respective agencies will remain in force, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.
Tijani said the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy has increasingly blurred the lines between the responsibilities of various sector regulators.
He noted that the convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance now requires a coordinated, government-wide approach to policy development and implementation.
According to him, improved collaboration among regulators is necessary to create a more predictable business environment for investors and digital operators while encouraging innovation and strengthening consumer confidence.
“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,” the minister said.
As part of the new initiative, Tijani announced the establishment of a joint technical coordination committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and the NDPC.
The committee has been tasked with coordinating consultations with stakeholders and producing recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
The proposed framework is expected to clearly define the responsibilities of the three agencies, reduce regulatory duplication and compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and support the country’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.
The ministry stressed that the harmonisation exercise is designed to improve coordination among regulators and is not intended to diminish the legal mandates of any of the participating agencies.
The development comes less than 24 hours after President Bola Tinubu directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major technology companies and generative artificial intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the exploitation of Nigerian media content.
