The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that leading foreign digital companies, including Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Microsoft, paid ₦2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes to the Nigerian government during the first six months of 2024.
In a statement titled “NITDA Commends Tech Giants for Adhering to Code of Practice” shared on X on Wednesday, NITDA revealed that the revenue figures were sourced from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The agency highlighted that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries operating in Nigeria, are now fully complying with tax obligations, contributing to a notable surge in government revenue.
According to Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Head of Public Affairs, the statement read:
“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies contributed over ₦2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024. This remarkable revenue growth reflects the impact of robust regulatory frameworks in enhancing compliance and driving economic gains in Nigeria’s digital sector.”
Additionally, NITDA disclosed that social media platforms deactivated 12.1 million Nigerian accounts in 2023 for various violations and removed 65.8 million pieces of content posted by Nigerian users that contravened platform policies. Platforms also received 4.126 million complaints from Nigerians, of which 379,433 pieces of content were reinstated after appeals by their Nigerian owners.
NITDA applauded Google, X, Microsoft, TikTok, and other platforms for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. Developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the Code provides guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
The agency acknowledged the significant progress made in fostering a safer digital environment but emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges. The 2023 compliance report offers critical insights into the platforms’ efforts to enhance user safety and uphold community guidelines.
NITDA reiterated its commitment to ensuring a responsible and secure digital space for Nigerians while driving growth in the country’s digital economy.
