Code of Practice: Why Nigeria directs Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, others to appoint Country Reps

*The Federal Government releases Code of Practice requiring the global technology giants to register as legal entities and comply with the country’s tax obligations among other conditions

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

In a move to strengthen the global tech giants’ interface with the Nigerian authorities, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has said that interactive computer service platforms and Internet intermediaries are now required to fulfill certain conditions in running their services in the country.

ConsumerConnect reports  this set of conditions are stated in the recently released Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (online platforms).

NITDA’s statement issued Monday, June 13, 2022, in Abuja, FCT, noted: “NITDA wishes to present to the public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for future review and input.”

The latest Code of Practice was reportedly developed by NITDA alongside the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), with input from Big Techs, including Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok.

According to the regulatory agency, among such conditions in the Code of Practice is that each online platform is required to have a Country Representative, who will interface with the Nigerian authorities.

By implication, Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, Tik Tok, and other interactive online platforms are required to have country representatives in Nigeria.

Other conditions include registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as a legal entity, complying with tax obligations, and abide by regulatory and legal demands in the country.