The federal government has directed key digital sector regulators to suspend the implementation and enforcement of regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues pending the completion of a policy harmonisation exercise.
The directive, issued by Bosun Tijani, the minister of communications, innovation and digital economy, affects the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency and Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
The latest move comes against the backdrop of growing concerns from industry stakeholders over multiple regulatory requirements introduced by agencies under the ministry. Technology companies, digital platforms and other businesses have repeatedly called for greater regulatory coordination, arguing that overlapping rules and compliance obligations create uncertainty, increase the cost of doing business and could discourage investment in Nigeria’s digital economy.
In a statement, the minister said the decision followed a high-level strategic meeting with the leadership of the three agencies, where discussions focused on improving regulatory coordination across Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital economy.
According to Tijani, the increasing convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance has created areas where the statutory responsibilities of sector regulators overlap, making closer coordination necessary.
He said that while each agency has clearly defined responsibilities under its enabling law, a unified government approach has become essential to provide regulatory certainty, encourage investment, stimulate innovation and strengthen consumer confidence.
As part of the directive, the minister ordered that the existing regulatory status quo be maintained on matters relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation.
He also instructed the affected agencies to defer the implementation or enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive or administrative requirement relating to those areas until the harmonisation process is concluded.
The ministry, however, clarified that the directive does not diminish the statutory powers of the agencies. It noted that existing regulations, guidelines, codes and directives that fall squarely within the legal mandates of each institution will remain fully operational and enforceable, provided they are consistent with the minister’s policy direction.
To drive the harmonisation process, the minister announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and the NDPC under the supervision of the Office of the Minister.
According to Tijani, the committee will coordinate technical engagements among the agencies, undertake broad consultations with industry players, civil society organisations, academia and other stakeholders, and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework for the digital economy.
He said the exercise is intended to ensure greater policy coherence rather than reduce the statutory responsibilities of any of the regulatory institutions.
Tijani added that the ministry would continue working with relevant institutions and stakeholders to develop aligned policies that protect citizens, foster innovation, strengthen digital trust and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in Africa’s digital economy.
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