The Nigerian Government has issued a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms, Internet Intermediaries, and Operating Conditions in Nigeria through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The Code of Practice, according to Hajia Hadizar Umar, Director of Public Affairs at NITDA, is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country.
It was also to define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem, according to Umar.
The Code of Practice, she claims, was created in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
“It also has input from Interactive Computer Service Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google and Tik Tok amongst others.
“Other relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups.
“The results of this consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice,” she said.
The statement says the new global reality is that online platform activities wield enormous influence over society, social interaction, and economic decisions.
According to her, the Code of Practice is an intervention to rebalance Online Platforms’ relationships with Nigerians in order to maximize mutual benefits for the nation while promoting a sustainable digital economy.
She also stated that the Code establishes procedures to protect Nigerians’ security and welfare while interacting on the Platforms.
Similarly, in order to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA informed all Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the government had established operating conditions in the country.