Nigeria: Issued NITDA Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries including local representation and registration requirement

On 26 September 2022, the National Information Technology Development Agency's (NITDA) Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries entered into force. Large Service Platforms (LSPs) operating in Nigeria must comply with specific obligations under the Code. They are required to incorporate within Nigeria and establish a physical contact address in the country. Each platform must appoint a Liaison Officer to act as the communication link with the Nigerian government. To ensure fairness and accuracy, LSPs must provide human supervision over automated tools used for content moderation, addressing issues of bias and discrimination while upholding freedom of expression and user privacy. Additionally, platforms are obligated to disclose, upon user request, why specific advertisements appear on their timelines. NITDA may extend these obligations to platforms with fewer than one million users if it determines this is necessary to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, security, public order, foreign relations, or integrity.