Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has directed key digital economy regulators to suspend the implementation of newly introduced regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues pending the development of 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), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

In a statement released on Tuesday, the minister said the affected agencies have been instructed to postpone the implementation or enforcement of recently introduced regulations, guidelines, codes, frameworks and administrative directives relating to internet platforms while the ministry coordinates an inter-agency policy harmonisation process.

Government Orders Regulators to Maintain Existing Framework

According to the statement, the current regulatory framework will remain in place until the harmonisation exercise is completed.

“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.

The ministry further instructed all relevant agencies to defer enforcement of any recent regulatory instruments affecting internet platforms or digital economy issues currently under review.

However, Tijani clarified that the directive does not remove or weaken the statutory powers of the affected agencies.

He explained that regulations and directives that fall within the clear legal mandates of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC will continue to be fully operational and enforceable, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.

Why the Federal Government Is Harmonising Digital Regulations

The minister noted that Nigeria’s digital economy has evolved rapidly, creating increasing overlaps between regulators responsible for telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance.

According to Tijani, the convergence of these sectors makes coordinated policymaking essential.

He said regulatory coordination would provide greater certainty for investors, technology companies and digital service providers while encouraging innovation and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness.

“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 stated.

Joint Committee to Develop National Digital Policy

As part of the initiative, the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy will establish a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC.

The committee will oversee stakeholder consultations and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework for Nigeria’s digital economy.

According to the ministry, the framework is expected to:

• Clearly define the responsibilities of each regulator.
• Reduce regulatory duplication and compliance uncertainty.
• Improve investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital sector.
• Support innovation and digital transformation.
• Strengthen Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading digital economy.

The ministry stressed that the harmonisation exercise is not intended to reduce the statutory authority of any regulator but to ensure a coordinated, predictable and future-ready regulatory environment.

Directive Comes Amid Scrutiny of Big Tech Companies

The latest 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 unauthorised exploitation of Nigerian media content.

The government is expected to continue consultations with regulators, industry stakeholders and technology companies as it works towards a unified digital governance framework that balances innovation, consumer protection and regulatory certainty.

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