The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that technology companies like X, Google, Microsoft, and TikTok paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to the Nigerian government in the first half (H1) of 2024.
This development was announced by NITDA, in a statement signed by Hadiza Umar, its Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, on Tuesday.
She noted that this was compiled from data released by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
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.
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.”
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.
