The Federal Government has suspended 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 as it works towards a unified national policy framework.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. 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 ministry said the decision is intended to provide regulatory certainty while the government develops a coordinated approach to managing Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital ecosystem.
According to the ministry, the growing convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance has created overlaps in the responsibilities of sector regulators, making policy alignment increasingly necessary.
As a result, the government has directed that the current regulatory framework remain in place for issues relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other digital economy matters undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation.
The statement noted that regulatory agencies have been instructed to postpone the implementation or enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, framework, guideline, directive or administrative requirement concerning internet platforms and online intermediaries where such provisions fall within areas currently under review.
“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,” Tijani said.
He further directed relevant agencies to defer enforcement actions on new regulatory measures affecting internet platforms and other digital economy issues until the harmonisation process is completed.
The ministry, however, clarified that the suspension does not diminish the statutory powers of the affected agencies. Existing regulations and directives that fall squarely within their legal mandates will remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they align with the ministry’s policy direction.
To facilitate the process, the ministry announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Office of the Minister.
The committee will coordinate technical consultations, engage industry stakeholders, civil society groups, academic institutions and other relevant parties, and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
Explaining the rationale behind the initiative, the ministry stated that the exercise is aimed at ensuring a unified government position on cross-cutting digital economy issues through a predictable, coordinated and future-ready regulatory system.
It added that the proposed framework would clearly define institutional responsibilities, eliminate overlapping regulations, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence, encourage innovation and support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy and a preferred destination for digital investment.
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with stakeholders across the digital ecosystem to develop policies that protect citizens, promote innovation, enhance digital trust and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in the global digital economy.
