FG Suspends New Internet Rules

The federal government has suspended the implementation of new rules affecting internet platforms and other digital services as it works on creating one clear policy for the country’s digital economy.

The decision was announced on Tuesday, by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, after a meeting with the heads of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).

The minister said the agencies should stop enforcing any new regulations, guidelines or directives that are part of the ongoing review.

For now, the current rules will remain in place until a new national policy is completed.

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According to Tijani, the digital sector has grown quickly, causing the responsibilities of different government agencies to overlap.

He said this has created confusion for businesses and investors.

To solve the problem, the ministry has set up a joint committee made up of officials from the NCC, NITDA and NDPC.

The committee will work with stakeholders to prepare a single policy that clearly explains the role of each agency and reduces conflicting regulations.

Tijani said the move is aimed at making it easier for businesses to operate, attracting more investment, encouraging innovation and increasing public confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy.

He also clarified that the suspension does not stop the agencies from carrying out their normal legal duties. Existing regulations that fall within their official responsibilities will continue to be enforced.

The announcement comes a day after President Bola Tinubu directed the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to investigate major technology companies and artificial intelligence platforms over allegations of anti-competitive practices and the use of Nigerian media content.