The Federal Government has directed key digital regulators to maintain the current regulatory framework for internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues while it develops a unified national policy aimed at eliminating regulatory overlaps across Nigeria’s technology sector.

The directive, issued through the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, marks a significant step toward creating a more coordinated and predictable digital regulatory environment as emerging technologies continue to blur the traditional boundaries between telecommunications, artificial intelligence (AI), data governance, online safety and digital platforms.

The decision followed a high-level meeting chaired by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

Government Freezes New Cross-Cutting Digital Regulations

Under the new directive, all relevant regulators have been instructed to suspend the implementation or enforcement of any new regulatory instruments relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters until the harmonisation process is completed.

According to the ministry, the existing regulatory framework will remain in force throughout the policy review period.

“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 minister stated.

The ministry explained that although each agency has clearly defined legal responsibilities, rapid technological advancement has created areas where regulatory mandates increasingly overlap, making stronger inter-agency coordination necessary.

Harmonised Framework to Improve Investment Climate

Dr. Tijani said regulatory coordination is essential to providing certainty for businesses operating in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

He noted that a unified approach would reduce conflicting regulations, ease compliance burdens and encourage innovation.

“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 said.

The ministry clarified that the directive applies only to new regulations affecting overlapping digital economy issues currently under review.

Existing regulations that fall strictly within the statutory responsibilities of individual agencies will continue to be implemented and enforced.

Joint Committee to Develop Unified Digital Policy

To drive the harmonisation process, the ministry has established a Joint Technical Coordination Committee made up of representatives from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Office of the Minister.

The committee will engage industry stakeholders, civil society organisations and academic institutions while developing recommendations for a unified national digital governance framework.

According to the ministry, the exercise is intended to improve regulatory coordination rather than weaken the authority of any agency.

The ministry stated that the goal is not to reduce the statutory mandates of any institution but to ensure government speaks with one coordinated voice on digital economy issues through a predictable and future-ready regulatory framework.

The proposed framework is expected to clearly define institutional responsibilities, eliminate regulatory duplication, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and accelerate Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy.

Addressing an Evolving Digital Landscape

Nigeria’s digital regulatory ecosystem has become increasingly complex as the responsibilities of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC continue to expand alongside rapid growth in digital services, AI technologies and online platforms.

NITDA currently regulates aspects of internet platform operations through its 2022 Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, while also overseeing broader information technology policies under the NITDA Act.

The NDPC is responsible for enforcing compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, while the NCC regulates telecommunications and communications services—creating several areas where regulatory responsibilities intersect.

Part of Broader Digital Governance Reforms

The latest directive forms part of the Federal Government’s broader digital governance reforms aimed at strengthening coordination across Nigeria’s technology ecosystem.

Earlier this year, the ministry announced plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Coordination Council to improve collaboration among government agencies, regulators, the private sector and other stakeholders in responding to emerging cyber threats.

Rather than creating another regulatory agency, the proposed council is expected to serve as a multi-stakeholder platform for information sharing, policy alignment and improved national cybersecurity response.

Together, the regulatory harmonisation initiative and the proposed cybersecurity coordination council underscore the Federal Government’s commitment to building a more coherent, investment-friendly and innovation-driven digital economy.