NEWS
JUST IN: FG Suspends New Digital Economy Regulations, Moves to Harmonise Rules for Internet Platforms
JUST IN: FG Suspends New Digital Economy Regulations, Moves to Harmonise Rules for Internet Platforms
The Federal Government has directed relevant regulatory agencies to immediately suspend the implementation and enforcement of newly introduced regulations, codes, guidelines and administrative requirements affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues, pending the development of a harmonised national policy framework.
The directive, issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, followed a high-level 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).
The decision, announced in a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday, is aimed at preserving regulatory certainty while the Federal Government works towards creating a unified and coordinated framework to govern Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
According to the ministry, the rapid convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance has increasingly blurred the boundaries between the responsibilities of various regulatory agencies, making policy coordination essential to eliminate overlaps and ensure a more efficient regulatory environment.
As part of the directive, the government stated that the current regulatory framework governing internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation under the supervision of the ministry would remain in force until the review process is concluded.
In addition, all relevant agencies have been instructed to suspend the implementation or enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive or administrative requirement affecting internet platforms and online intermediaries where such provisions relate to areas currently under 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,” Dr. Tijani stated
“Relevant agencies are to defer the implementation or 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, to the extent that such provisions concern areas currently undergoing policy harmonisation under the Ministry’s coordination,” the minister further directed
Despite the suspension, the ministry clarified that the directive does not diminish or interfere with the statutory responsibilities of the affected agencies. It explained that existing regulations, guidelines and directives that fall squarely within the legal mandates of the agencies will remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they align with the minister’s overall policy direction.
To facilitate the harmonisation process, the ministry announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee made up of representatives from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the leadership of the Office of the Minister.
The committee has been tasked with coordinating technical engagements, consulting extensively with industry stakeholders, civil society organisations, academia and other relevant groups, and developing recommendations that will form the basis of a harmonised national policy and governance framework for Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the ministry emphasised that the exercise is designed to improve coordination rather than reduce the authority of any institution.
“The harmonisation exercise is not to diminish the statutory mandates of any institution but to ensure that Government speaks with one coherent voice on cross-cutting digital economy issues through a coordinated, predictable and future-ready regulatory framework,” he said.
The ministry further stated that the proposed framework would provide clear institutional boundaries, eliminate unnecessary regulatory duplication, reduce compliance uncertainty for businesses, strengthen investor confidence, encourage innovation and create a more predictable regulatory environment capable of supporting Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy and a globally competitive destination for digital investment.
“The harmonised framework will clearly delineate institutional responsibilities, eliminate unnecessary regulatory overlap, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence, promote innovation and ensure that Nigeria’s regulatory architecture supports the country’s ambition to become Africa’s leading digital economy and a globally competitive destination for digital investment,” he added.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all relevant institutions and stakeholders in developing aligned policies that safeguard citizens, promote innovation, strengthen digital trust and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in the global digital economy.
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