The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says X, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to Nigeria in the first half (H1) of 2024.
NITDA, in a statement signed by Hadiza Umar, its director of corporate communications and media relations, on Tuesday, said according to data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the foreign digital companies contributed N2.55 trillion as taxes.
According to NITDA, the contributions from the digital platforms significantly increased its revenue.
The agency also commended the technology companies for complying with the code of practice for interactive computer service platforms/internet intermediaries.
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NITDA said the code, issued jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and the agency, outlines clear guidelines for promoting online safety and managing harmful content.
“Data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveal that foreign digital companies, including interactive computer service platforms and internet intermediaries (such as social media platforms) operating in Nigeria, contributed over N2.55 trillion (approximately $1.5 billion) in taxes in H1 2024,” NITDA said.
“This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy.”
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2023 CODE COMPLIANCE REPORT
In the statement, NITDA provided an update on the level of compliance with the code of practice for interactive computer service platforms/internet intermediaries in 2023.
NITDA said all the digital platforms have been making efforts to address user safety concerns in line with the code and the platforms’ community guidelines.
Giving a breakdown of statistics across all the platforms, the agency said data showed that 4.1 million complaints were received in 2023, 65.8 million contents were brought down, and 379,433 contents were removed and re-uploaded after appeals by users.
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“The platforms received 4,125,283 (Four million, one hundred and twenty-five thousand, two hundred and eighty-three) registered complaints in 2023,” NITDA said.
“Closed and deactivated accounts were 12.09 million.”
The technology agency, therefore, commended the progress made, adding that there is a need for continued collaboration and innovation to address emerging challenges.
NITDA also called for a safer and more responsible digital space.
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