The Federal Government has directed regulatory agencies under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to adopt a unified approach on policies affecting internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy issues, as it moves to eliminate regulatory overlap and strengthen investor confidence.
The directive was issued by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, who instructed the agencies to maintain the current regulatory status quo while the government develops a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
According to a statement signed by the Minister on Tuesday in Abuja, the decision is aimed at ensuring seamless implementation of government policies in areas where the responsibilities of sector regulators intersect.
Tijani said the directive followed a high-level strategic meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
He noted that Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy has created increasing overlaps in the statutory responsibilities of the country’s digital regulators.
According to him, while each agency has clearly defined mandates under existing laws, the convergence of telecommunications, digital platforms, artificial intelligence, online safety and data governance now requires a coordinated whole-of-government regulatory approach.
The Minister stressed that stronger regulatory coordination is essential to provide legal certainty, encourage investment, promote innovation, boost consumer confidence and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness as Africa’s leading digital economy.
Existing Rules to Remain Pending Harmonisation
Tijani announced that the existing regulatory framework would remain in place while inter-agency policy harmonisation is underway.
He directed all relevant agencies to suspend the implementation or enforcement of any recently introduced regulations, codes, guidelines, frameworks, directives or administrative requirements relating to internet platforms, online intermediaries and other cross-cutting digital economy matters where policy harmonisation is ongoing.
However, he clarified that the directive does not affect the statutory responsibilities of the individual agencies.
According to him, existing regulations and directives that fall squarely within the legal mandates of the respective institutions will remain fully operational, provided they align with the Ministry’s policy direction.
To facilitate the process, the Minister announced the establishment of a Joint Technical Coordination Committee comprising representatives of the NCC, NITDA and NDPC under the supervision of the Office of the Minister.
He said the committee would coordinate technical engagements, consult extensively with industry players, civil society organisations, academia and other stakeholders, and develop recommendations for a harmonised national policy and governance framework.
Tijani explained that the exercise is designed to ensure government agencies speak with one voice on digital economy issues rather than diminish the statutory powers of any institution.
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The Minister said the proposed harmonised framework would clearly define institutional responsibilities, eliminate unnecessary regulatory duplication, reduce compliance uncertainty, strengthen investor confidence and promote innovation across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
He added that the framework would support Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s leading digital economy and a globally competitive destination for digital investment.
Tijani reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to working with regulators and stakeholders to develop aligned policies that protect citizens, strengthen digital trust, encourage innovation and position Nigeria for sustained leadership in the global digital economy.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.