…….. Critics warn mass deactivations risk shrinking Nigeria’s democratic space online
By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
Abuja, August 20, 2025
Nigeria’s government has confirmed the deactivation of more than 13.5 million social media accounts, citing violations of its Code of Practice for online platforms. While officials say the move is part of efforts to curb harmful and offensive content, critics warn it could mark a new phase of digital censorship in Africa’s most populous nation.
The mass shutdown, affecting TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X, was detailed in the 2024 Code of Practice Compliance Report, compiled by tech giants including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. The report highlighted that 58.9 million offensive posts were deleted over the year, with more than 754,000 complaints filed by Nigerian users. Notably, 420,000 posts were restored after successful appeals — underscoring the blurred line between legitimate moderation and overreach.
NITDA spokesperson Hadiza Umar defended the clampdown, insisting that the compliance report “provides valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with Nigeria’s Code of Practice.”
But digital rights advocates argue that the government’s framing of “safety” could be a cover for tighter control of online discourse. “Protecting users from harm is important, but mass deactivation without transparency risks silencing dissenting voices,” said one Abuja-based internet freedom advocate, who described the scale of the removals as “unprecedented.”
Civil society groups also worry that the Code of Practice gives regulators sweeping powers without adequate checks. “When over 13 million accounts vanish in one year, Nigerians are entitled to ask who decides what is ‘offensive’ and whether political speech is being caught in the net,” one group noted.
With more than 100 million Nigerians online, the decision highlights the growing tension between government regulation, corporate compliance, and citizens’ right to free expression. Observers say how Nigeria navigates this balance could set the tone for digital rights across Africa.
For now, the purge has deepened the debate: is Nigeria building a safer internet — or shrinking the democratic space online?
