FG Suspends Enforcement of New Internet Platform, Digital

Economy Regulations

The Federal Government has suspended the enforcement of new regulations affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other cross-cutting digital economy issues, pending a national policy review. This decision was contained in a statement issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, on Tuesday.

### Minister Explains Decision Dr. Tijani stated that the rapid growth of the digital economy has created overlaps in the responsibilities of sector regulators. He explained that closer coordination is necessary to provide legal certainty and support investment, innovation, and consumer confidence. The minister announced that the existing regulatory status quo shall be maintained with respect to matters relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other cross-cutting digital economy issues currently undergoing inter-agency policy harmonisation under the Ministry's coordination.

### Suspension of Enforcement As part of the directive, agencies have been asked to defer the implementation or enforcement of any recently issued regulation, code, guideline, framework, directive, or administrative requirement relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other cross-cutting digital economy issues that are under policy harmonisation. The suspension of enforcement aims to provide a window for the government to finalise the national policy review and ensure that the regulatory framework is harmonised and aligned with the vision for the digital economy.

### Establishment of Joint Technical Coordination Committee The Minister also announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) under the Office of the Minister. The committee is expected to work together to develop a harmonised national policy and governance framework for the digital economy.

### What This Means for the People The suspension of enforcement of the new regulations affects internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other digital economy-related businesses. This decision provides a window for these businesses to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape and ensure that they are aligned with the government's vision for the digital economy. The people directly affected by this decision are online businesses, internet users, and consumers who rely on these platforms for various services.

### ## Key Facts

  • The Federal Government has suspended the enforcement of new regulations affecting internet platforms and the digital economy, pending a national policy review.
  • Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, issued the directive to defer the implementation of these regulations.
  • The existing regulatory status quo shall be maintained for matters relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries, and other cross-cutting digital economy issues undergoing policy harmonisation.
  • The suspension of enforcement aims to provide a window for the government to finalise the national policy review and ensure that the regulatory framework is harmonised and aligned with the vision for the digital economy.
  • A Joint Technical Coordination Committee has been established to develop a harmonised national policy and governance framework for the digital economy.
  • The committee comprises representatives of the NCC, NITDA, and NDPC under the Office of the Minister.
  • Online businesses, internet users, and consumers are directly affected by this decision.