The Federal Government has suspended the implementation and enforcement of newly introduced regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters, pending the development of a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
The directive was announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency and Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
The move is aimed at eliminating regulatory overlaps and ensuring greater coordination among agencies responsible for Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
According to the minister, the rapid expansion of digital services has led to increasing intersections in the responsibilities of regulators, particularly in areas such as internet platform governance, online safety, artificial intelligence and data protection.
He noted that a coordinated regulatory approach is necessary to provide certainty for investors, encourage innovation and strengthen consumer confidence in the digital ecosystem.
Under the new directive, all agencies have been instructed to maintain the existing regulatory status quo and defer the enforcement of any recently introduced codes, guidelines, frameworks or administrative requirements that relate to internet platforms and other digital economy issues currently undergoing policy harmonisation.
However, regulations that fall squarely within the statutory mandates of the agencies will remain valid and enforceable, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.
To oversee the process, the ministry has established a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC.
The committee will engage industry stakeholders, civil society groups and academia in developing recommendations for a unified regulatory framework.
The government said the initiative will reduce compliance burdens, eliminate duplication and create a more predictable environment for digital businesses operating in Nigeria.
