NITDA Emphasizes Need for Digital Content Moderation in Nigeria

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has stressed the importance of content moderation in Nigeria's digital space to ensure user safety and align with global practices.

Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, made this statement during a meeting with a team from TikTok in Abuja.

He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to advance the Nigerian digital space, recognizing that online activities generate data accessible worldwide.

Inuwa called for the implementation of content moderation strategies to address issues like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying, particularly in relation to the protection of minors.

NITDA introduced a Code of Practice in 2022 to guide the operations of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and TikTok in Nigeria.

The agency aims to leverage this code and partnerships to achieve effective digital content moderation.

"With the Code Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, this will help in ensuring digital safety in accordance with global best practice and content moderation to enhance security," Inuwa stated.

He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, "No organization can operate in silos. We need each other for the actualization of our goals and objectives towards service delivery and for the advancement of the nation."

Inuwa highlighted how interactive computer service platforms could be leveraged to advance the country through NITDA's Digital Literacy 4 All (DL4ALL) program.

This would involve capacity building, knowledge sharing, training, and combating misinformation to create a safer online environment for Nigerian users.

The NITDA DG also pointed out the positive aspects of these platforms, such as their role in creative expression, entertainment, and information dissemination.

Inuwa concluded by noting that NITDA's Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024-2027) includes provisions to safeguard the digital space, underscoring the agency's commitment to digital safety and security.