The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that foreign digital companies, including Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Microsoft, as well as other social media platforms operating in Nigeria, paid N2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes to the Federal Government in the first six months of 2024.
NITDA revealed this in a statement, commending tech giants for adhering to the code of practice. Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that these companies were now paying their taxes, leading to a significant increase in government revenue.
Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Head of Public Affairs, stated that the substantial tax contributions underscore the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.
The agency also noted that social media platforms deactivated about 12.1 million accounts of Nigerians last year for various offenses, while 65.8 million pieces of Nigerian content were taken down for policy violations.
Additionally, 4.126 million registered complaints from Nigerians were received by the social media platforms, and 379,433 pieces of Nigerian content were removed and later re-uploaded following appeals by their owners.
NITDA praised Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok for their compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. This code, issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA, outlines guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
While commending the progress made, NITDA emphasized the need for continued collaboration and innovation by social media platforms to address emerging challenges and ensure a safer and more responsible digital space.
The 2023 compliance report provides valuable insight into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and community guidelines.
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