Digital economy: FG pushes unified framework for online platforms across NCC, NITDA and NDPC

The Federal Government is pushing for a unified regulatory framework to govern internet platforms and online intermediaries across the digital economy, coordinated among relevant agencies.

In a statement released by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE) on Tuesday, the ministry noted that a coordinated regulation on internet-related matters and other cross-cutting digital economy issues among agencies under its watch is under consideration. 

The issue was discussed in a joint meeting coordinated by the FMCIDE Minister, Dr Bosun Tijani. 

The ministry has now directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to maintain the regulatory status quo pending the development of a harmonised national policy and governance framework.

With the latest directives, NCC, NITDA and NDPC are expected to pause agency-specific internet regulations and keep enforcing existing regulations, codes, and guidelines. The central idea is to eliminate regulatory overlap, reduce compliance uncertainty, and give investors and platforms a unified government position instead of multiple conflicting requirements.

At a time when Nigeria is experiencing a rapidly evolving digital economy, a coordinated regulatory approach helps provide clear institutional responsibilities and policy direction. While each agency has a distinct mode of operation and principles, the ministry maintained that a unified whole-of-government approach to policy development and implementation is required.

Reacting to the development, Bosun Tijani stressed that regulatory coordination is not only essential to preserving legal certainty but is also fundamental to promoting investment, innovation, and consumer confidence. 

The minister added that as telecoms, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and online safety increasingly converge, Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s leading digital economy depends on clear regulation.

Recall that the federal government is targeting a significant transition that will see the digital economy yield from a $375 billion Gross Domestic Product to a $1 trillion milestone by 2030. 

Also Read: 5 technology shifts that could redefine Nigeria’s digital economy in the next 5 years.

Policy directives in coordinated regulation for the digital economy 

According to the ministry, the objective of the harmonisation exercise is not to diminish the statutory mandates of any institution but to ensure that the government speaks with one voice on cross-cutting digital economy issues. 

In line with the deliberations, the ministry has directed NCC, NITDA and NDPC to stop the implementation of any recently issued regulation, code or framework relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries or other cross-cutting digital economy matters.

Also, existing agency-specific provisions that are contained in the areas currently under harmonisation review are expected to be paused. 

However, the minister noted that only rules that agencies were given power to make by current law should remain in effect. In addition, policy or framework can still be maintained if they fall under the minister’s directives. 

“Provisions of existing regulations, guidelines, codes and directives that fall squarely within the express mandates of the relevant agencies under extant laws shall remain fully operational and enforceable,” part of the statement reads. 

On the way forward, the ministry has set up a committee comprising representatives of NCC, NITDA, and NDPC. The Committee will coordinate technical engagements, consult with academia and other stakeholders, and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.

An ultimate goal of the coordinated framework is to promote innovation and ensure that Nigeria’s regulatory architecture supports its digital economy ambitions. The policy is expected to clearly state institutional responsibilities and eliminate unnecessary regulatory overlap.

This development comes in light of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s (FCCPC) move to investigate how Meta, Alphabet, X, and generative AI companies operate in Nigeria. It follows concerns alleging anti-competitive practices and the unlawful exploitation of local news content.