On the 7 July, 2026, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (the “Ministry”) directed its agencies that the regulatory status quo be maintained on matters relating to the regulation of internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues, pending the development of a harmonised national policy and governance framework. The impacted agencies are Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NPDC). This is partly in recognition of the fact that the convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance requires a coordinated whole-of-government approach to policy development and implementation. This in our view, is a good step in the right direction and essential need to promoting investment, innovation, consumer confidence and Nigeria’s long-term competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy.

