Nigeria: Internet Code of Practice including quality of service requirement enters into force

On 13 August 2026, the Internet Code of Practice, including quality of service requirements, enters into force. The Code requires Internet access service providers to ensure transparency by disclosing service performance, commercial terms, and any traffic management practices, including their purpose and impact. Providers must not block or throttle lawful content, applications, services, or non-harmful devices, except for reasonable network management, and must submit monthly reports on Internet Protocol (IP) address deployment and utilisation, including any breaches. They must integrate child online protection standards into their terms, provide parental controls and multilingual safety guidance, apply opt-in defaults for minors, and educate parents and children on online risks and reporting mechanisms. Where artificial intelligence (AI) tools are deployed, providers must safeguard network integrity, comply with cybersecurity and data protection requirements, retain the ability to withdraw such tools if required, and follow further Commission directives. Online platforms, digital service providers, and application service providers must also adopt and submit community rules aligned with national interest obligations under the Nigerian Communications Act 2003.