FG Orders Twitter, Tiktok, and Others to Appoint Nigerian Representatives

• The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA orders Twitter, TikTok, and other online media platforms to appoint country representatives.

• This order was stated in the ‘Code of Practice’ which was released following a statement by the agency on Monday 13th June.

• The order aims to safeguard the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens as well as foreigners living in Nigeria and ensure healthy interactions on online platforms.

The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA disclosed that all interactive computer services platforms and internet intermediaries are expected to fulfil certain conditions in order to continue running their services in Nigeria.

These conditions were clearly stated in the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries which, like the order, was released only recently.

According to one of the conditions stated in the Code of Practice, each online media platform is required to appoint a country representative, who will be affiliated with the Nigerian authorities.

This order affects numerous online media platforms like Twitter, WhatsApp, Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, etc.

While this order may seem strict, its aim is an honest one.

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The aim of the order is twofold:

First, it safeguards the fundamental human rights of both Nigerian citizens and non-Nigerians staying in Nigeria.

Additionally, it regulates the interactions on online platforms and ensures that these interactions are healthy.

NITDA also revealed that the Code of Practice is fair as it was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Broadcasting Commission while also considering suggestions from the platforms the order will affect.

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