FG suspends new internet, digital platform regulations

The Federal Government has directed the suspension of the implementation of new regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues pending the development of a harmonised 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, National Information Technology Development Agency and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Tijani said the agencies would defer the implementation or enforcement of recently issued regulations, guidelines, codes and directives relating to internet platforms and other issues currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation.

“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 read.

It added that the agencies should defer the enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive or administrative requirement relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries or other cross-cutting digital economy matters where such provisions are part of the ongoing harmonisation process.

The minister, however, clarified that the directive does not affect the statutory responsibilities of the respective agencies.

“All other provisions of existing regulations, guidelines, codes and directives that fall squarely within the express mandates of the relevant agencies under extant laws shall remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they are consistent with the policy direction issued by the Honourable Minister,” the statement added.

Tijani said the rapid evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy had created areas where the responsibilities of sector regulators increasingly overlap.

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“The convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach to policy development and implementation,” he said.

According to the minister, improved regulatory coordination is essential to provide certainty for investors and operators while promoting innovation and 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,” he added.

As part of the directive, Tijani announced the establishment of a joint technical coordination committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC to coordinate stakeholder consultations and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.

He said the framework would define the responsibilities of the three agencies, reduce regulatory overlap and compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.

The ministry said the harmonisation exercise is intended to ensure greater coordination among regulators rather than diminish the statutory mandates of any agency.

The directive comes less than 24 hours after President Bola Ahmed 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.