Google, Meta, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, Microsoft, and other social media platforms operating in Nigeria paid ₦2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes to the Federal Government during the first half of 2024, according to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),Daily Trust reports.
In a statement on Wednesday, NITDA cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which revealed that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries, are now complying with tax obligations. This compliance has significantly boosted government revenue.
“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms), contributed over ₦2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024. This significant increase underscores the impact of robust regulatory frameworks in enhancing compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” the statement, signed by NITDA’s Head of Public Affairs, Hadiza Umar, read.
ALSO READ: CBN Clarifies Staff Early Exit Exercise
The agency also disclosed that social media platforms deactivated approximately 12.1 million Nigerian accounts last year for various offenses, while 65.8 million pieces of Nigerian content were removed for policy violations.
Additionally, the platforms received 4.126 million complaints from Nigerian users, with 379,433 pieces of content initially removed but later restored after successful appeals by Nigerian content creators.
NITDA commended Google, X, Microsoft, TikTok, and others for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, a set of guidelines jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA. The Code aims to promote online safety and manage harmful content effectively.
The agency highlighted the insights from the 2023 compliance report, which reflects the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with both the Code of Practice and their internal community guidelines.
While acknowledging progress, NITDA emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and innovation by social media platforms to address emerging challenges and maintain a safer, more responsible digital space. It reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote transparency and trust in the digital ecosystem.
