The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies operating in Nigeria, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, paid a total of N2.55 trillion in taxes to the Nigerian government during the first half of 2024.
This disclosure was made on Tuesday in a statement by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar. The statement cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
NITDA highlighted the growing economic impact of the ICT sector on national development and commended tech giants for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries. Companies such as Google, Microsoft, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok were praised for their compliance with the regulatory framework.
The agency noted that this compliance has not only boosted government revenue but also reinforced the importance of regulatory measures in driving accountability and economic growth.
“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024.
This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” NITDA stated.
Promoting Transparency and Online Safety
NITDA emphasized that the tax contributions by foreign tech companies reflect the continued growth of Nigeria’s digital economy and its increasing importance as a revenue source for the government. The agency reiterated its commitment to fostering a safer and more transparent online environment for Nigerians.
In its update on compliance with the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, NITDA noted that digital platforms have been making concerted efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code and their community guidelines.
The Code, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA, provides clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
To comply with Nigeria’s regulatory requirements, platforms like Google, X, Microsoft, and TikTok reported removing over 65 million pieces of harmful content from their platforms in 2023. These actions were part of the annual compliance report on the Code of Practice.
Content Moderation and User Safety
The compliance report also detailed efforts by digital platforms to address content moderation and user safety:
- User complaints: Over 4.12 million complaints were submitted in 2023.
- Content removals: 65.8 million pieces of harmful content were taken down.
- Reinstated content: 379,433 pieces of content were re-uploaded after user appeals.
- Account closures: More than 12 million accounts were deactivated or closed.
NITDA underscored the importance of continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure user safety and maintain a responsible digital environment. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with industry players to sustain the progress achieved in Nigeria’s digital economy.
