News
FG Shuts Down 13million Social Media Accounts
The Federal government has confirmed the closure of approximately 13,597,057 social media accounts belonging to users of platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly known as Twitter).
The account on the various social media platforms were shutdown due to offensive content and violations of the Code of Practice.
The action against the platforms was disclosed in the Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report submitted by promoters of interactive computer service platforms, including Google, Microsoft, and TikTok.
The Code of Practice, jointly issued by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), was designed to regulate online activities and curb harmful content.
The 2024 report, titled “Code of Practice 2024 Compliance Report Highlights Social Media Platforms’ Efforts on Online Harm Protection,” outlined how platforms have implemented content moderation measures in Nigeria.
According to the report, a total of 58,909,112 offensive contents were pulled down across multiple platforms within the year under review.
The statement, signed on Wednesday by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hajiya Hadiza Umar, also revealed that platforms received 754,629 registered complaints from users during the period.
She added that 420,439 contents were removed and re-uploaded following appeals by users.
Umar said: “The compliance reports provide valuable insights into the platforms’ efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the Code of Practice and the platforms’ community guidelines.
“The submission of these reports marks a significant step towards fostering a safer and responsible digital environment for Nigerian users.
“It also demonstrates the platforms’ commitment to ensuring a secure and trustworthy online environment for all.
“This achievement reflects the provisions of the Code of Practice, which mandates that large service platforms are registered in Nigeria and comply with relevant laws, including the fulfillment of their tax obligation, while reinforcing the commitment to online safety for Nigerians.
“While NITDA acknowledges these commendable efforts, we emphasise that building a safer digital space requires sustained collaboration and engagement among all stakeholders.
“We remain committed to working with industry players, civil society, and regulatory partners to further strengthen user safety measures, enhance digital literacy, and promote trust and transparency in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.”
The immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, on Wednesday, returned to Nigeria from London.
The former Kano State governor had travelled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment shortly after his controversial resignation as APC national chairman.
Confirming the development to The PUNCH, his former Chief of Staff, Mohammed Garba, said Ganduje arrived in the country in the early hours of Wednesday after spending about a month abroad.
“Yes, he is back in Nigeria today. He is full of life and has returned to his residence,” Garba stated.
He added that Ganduje departed Nigeria for London five days after stepping down from the party’s leadership to undergo medical care.
Ganduje, who became APC National Chairman in August 2023, had reportedly resigned on June 27, 2025, ostensibly over ill health.
He was subsequently inaugurated as the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria on July 9, while former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Netanwe Yilwatda, has since replaced him as the APC National Chairman.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all airlines operating in the country to ensure that passengers completely switch off their mobile phones during aircraft take-off and landing.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed the directive in a post on X on Tuesday. He said the measure was part of a harmonisation of existing rules on the use of electronic devices onboard.
“Henceforth, the regulation per phones and other electronic devices in Nigeria has been unified: ALL PHONES MUST BE SWITCHED OFF DURING THE CRITICAL ASPECTS OF TAKE-OFF AND LANDING,” Achimugu wrote.
“All airlines must amend their security programmes to reflect this if different in their current programmes. No more airplane mode until regulations are reviewed to reflect evolving technological situations.”
The directive means that all airlines will have to adjust their operational manuals and cabin crew instructions to enforce the policy.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has strongly condemned the recent assault on Corps member, Edema Elohor Jennifer, by operatives of the Anambra State Vigilante Group in Oba, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Reports said female corps members serving in Anambra State were assaulted by local vigilantes, with one of them, Edema Elohor Jennifer, severely brutalised.
Reacting through a statement on Tuesday night, the Public Relations Officer of NANS, Comrade Samson Adeyemi, described the action as not only unjustified but also a gross violation of the dignity, safety, and fundamental rights of a young Nigerian serving her nation under the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.
“It is deeply troubling that such brutality could be meted out to a corps member, an individual who has answered the national call to service and who deserves every protection and respect guaranteed under the law.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students considers this incident a dangerous affront to the ideals of national service, rule of law, and human rights.
“The increasing tendency of unregulated security outfits to act outside the bounds of legality and accountability is a matter of urgent national concern.”
NANS called on the Anambra State Government and all relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly, ensure those responsible are held accountable, and take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
Adeyemi stressed that it was imperative for corps members across the country to feel safe and protected in their places of primary assignment and residence.
The association declared that it stands in solidarity with corps member Edema Elohor Jennifer and reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian students and youths, even as it urged the NYSC and relevant security agencies to work collaboratively to ensure that the sanctity of Corps Lodges and the safety of corps members are never compromised again.
