The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its intention to introduce regulations for TikTok and other short-form video platforms, reflecting a thoughtful shift in the nation’s digital landscape.
This important announcement came from Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), during a recent public online appearance.
He expressed a genuine desire for TikTok to serve a purpose beyond entertainment. “TikTok should not be purely for entertainment,” Abdullahi stated, emphasizing the need to harness the creative potential of our youth for constructive digital engagement that can positively impact national development.
While recognizing the platform's role in empowering countless young Nigerians to express their creativity, Abdullahi noted a concern that the prevailing emphasis on dance challenges, skits, and viral trends may be overshadowing its potential as a meaningful tool for education, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The proposed regulations, still in the early stages, are designed with compassion in mind and are expected to include content guidelines, age-appropriate restrictions, and encouragement for creators to produce educational or economically beneficial material.
NITDA plans to work closely with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Ministry of Youth Development to create frameworks that foster “digital productivity” among Gen Z and millennial users, aiming to nurture their talents.
However, this announcement has sparked a fervent public dialogue. Many critics have voiced their concerns that this focus may be misplaced, especially when youth unemployment exceeds 40%, inflation is rising, and fundamental infrastructure challenges remain in various regions. “Why regulate TikTok when graduates can’t find jobs?” questioned Lagos-based content creator Tunde Onakoya on X (formerly Twitter), reflecting the anxiety many feel about job prospects. “Many young people are earning a legitimate income through this platform. This feels more like control than a step toward development.”
Others worry about the implications for freedom of expression, pointing out that vague regulatory language could be used to silence dissent or suppress political satire—genres that have flourished on TikTok.
Supporters of the initiative, including education advocates, argue that with proper guidance, TikTok could become a transformative tool. Dr. Aisha Bello, a digital literacy expert, shared her optimistic vision: “TikTok is a powerful tool. With the right policies in place, it can become Africa’s largest open classroom, offering invaluable learning opportunities.”
NITDA has committed to a multi-phase consultation process to ensure that diverse perspectives, including those of creators, tech companies, civil society, and international partners, are considered before finalizing any policy. While a specific timeline has not been set, insiders suggest that draft guidelines may be ready before the end of Q1 2026.
For now, Nigerian TikTokers continue to thrive and make their mark globally, remaining vibrant and hopeful while watching developments unfold.