Google, LinkedIn, TikTok Deactivated 28 Million Nigerian Accounts in One Year — NITDA DG

Google, LinkedIn, TikTok Deactivated 28 Million Nigerian Accounts in One Year — NITDA DG

Reported By Sele Media Africa|Ihuoma Amarachi

ABUJA — The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has revealed that majorly global tech platforms — Google, LinkedIn, and TikTok — have deactivated over 28 million Nigerian user accounts within the past year. He disclosed this during the Nigeria Digital ID4D Project Ecosystem Steering Committee meeting in Abuja, stating that the accounts were removed due to links to fraud, impersonation, and harmful online content.

NITDA’s Warning

“In the past year alone, platforms like Google, TikTok, and LinkedIn deactivated over 28 million Nigerian accounts due to various violations, including impersonation, misinformation, and harmful content,” Abdullahi said. He emphasized the growing need for digital identity frameworks, nothing that a lack of proper identification makes it easier for cybercriminals to manipulate online systems.

Why This Matters

The revelation underscores rising concerns over cyber fraud and misinformation in Nigeria’s digital space. It also highlights the increasing collaboration between tech companies and regulatory agencies to enforce digital safety and content moderation standards.Abdullahi said the agency is working with key stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s Data Protection Law and promote responsible digital engagement. “The absence of a verified digital identity system makes it difficult to track online offenders. A secure digital ecosystem requires trust, transparency, and accountability,” he added.

Broader Context

Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest digital markets, but with growing access to the internet comes a surge in online scams, impersonation, phishing attacks, and content violations. Platforms like TikTok and LinkedIn have ramped up content moderation to comply with global and regional standards.Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has intensified efforts to introduce digital identity verification measures as part of its broader cybersecurity and digital economy agenda.

What’s Next –

Collaboration between NITDA and global tech platforms is expected to increase. – Proposed legislation may require platforms to verify the digital identities of Nigerian users. – Public awareness campaigns may follow to educate users on safe digital practices and data protection rights.

Citations:

https://punchng.com/google-tiktok-linkedin-deactivated-28-million-nigerian-accounts-nitda/)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/667782-google-tiktok-deactivate-28-million-accounts-in-nigeria-nitda.html)

https://www.thecable.ng/google-linkedin-tiktok-deactivate-28-million-nigerian-accounts-in-one-year-nitda/)

About The Author

Ihuoma Amarachi Grace

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Ihuoma Amarachi Grace is a journalist with Sele Media Africa, committed to telling authentic African stories with depth and creativity. A Christian and a student of English and Literary Studies, she blends her love for writing with the art of spoken word to inspire and inform. Her voice adds a thoughtful and artistic dimension to Sele Media’s mission of amplifying unheard voices across the continent.

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