The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has mandated registration with the Commercial Affairs Commission (CAC) as part of the requirement for Internet Intermediate/Interactive Computer Services Platforms, including online platforms operating in Nigeria.

The agency announced yesterday that it had published a “code of practice” for

Establish a legal entity, i.e. register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);

NITDA is mandated by Section 6 of the NITDA Act 2007, to standardize, coordinate and develop regulatory frameworks for all information technology (IT) practices in Nigeria. Pursuant to its mandates, President Muhammadu Buhari tasked the Agency with developing a code of practice for Internet Intermediate/Interactive Computer Service Platforms (Online Platforms), in collaboration with regulatory agencies and concerned stakeholders.

Pursuant to the directive, NITDA, in a statement released on Monday, presented a code of practice for interactive computer services/Internet intermediary platforms to the public for further review and comment.

“The Code of Practice seeks to protect the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as set out guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem.

“This is in line with international best practices obtainable in democratic countries such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United Nations,” the statement said.

The Code of Practice has been developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), along with input from interactive IT service platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram , Google and Tik Tok, among others. .

According to the agency, other relevant stakeholders with particular knowledge in this area were consulted, such as civil society organizations and expert groups.

“The results of these consultations have been duly incorporated into the draft Code of Practice.

The new global reality is that the activities carried out on these online platforms have a huge influence on our society, our social interactions and our economic choices.

“Therefore, the code of practice is an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of online platforms with Nigerians to maximize mutual benefits for our nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy,” he said.

Additionally, the code of practice sets out procedures to protect the safety and well-being of Nigerians while interacting on these platforms.

liability of online platforms for illegal and harmful content on their platforms, the statement added.

Furthermore, it has established a strong framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians from harm online, such as hate speech, cyber-harassment, as well as disinformation and/or misinformation.

“Similarly, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to inform all Interactive Computer Services Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set the conditions for operating in the country.

“These Terms deal with matters relating to legal registration of transactions, taxation and management of prohibited publications under Nigerian laws. The Terms are as follows:

Establish a legal entity, i.e. register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);

Appoint a designated national representative to interface with the Nigerian authorities;

Comply with all regulatory requirements after establishing a legal presence;

Comply with all tax obligations applicable to its operations under Nigerian law;

Provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid the publication of prohibited content and unethical behavior on their platform; and

Provide information to authorities about harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups and other coordinated disinformation networks and remove any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed timeframe,” he said.

The draft code of practice is available on the NITDA website for public review and comment.

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria fully harnesses the potential of the digital economy and protects the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.