The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced that foreign digital companies, including X (formerly Twitter), Google, Microsoft, and TikTok, paid N2.55 trillion in taxes to Nigeria during the first half of 2024.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, the agency cited data from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) to highlight the tax contributions.
According to the agency, the revenue generated by these technology companies has significantly boosted the country’s digital economy. NITDA also praised the companies for adhering to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries, which was developed jointly by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), and NITDA.
The regulatory code outlines measures for ensuring online safety and addressing harmful content on digital platforms.
“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,” the statement read.
NITDA added that the substantial increase in tax revenue reflects the impact of strong regulatory frameworks in fostering compliance and driving growth within the digital economy.
