Regulating the Proliferation of False Information on X (Formerly Twitter) in Nigeria: A Reform-Based Analysis

This article examines the proliferation of false information on X and critically assesses the effectiveness of existing legal and regulatory mechanisms in Nigeria in mitigating its spread. Through a doctrinal and comparative analysis, the article reviews relevant provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the Nigerian Communications Act 2003, the National Information Technology Development Agency’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries 2022 (NITDA Code of Practice 2022), the Nigerian Communications Commission Internet Code of Practice 2026 and the Criminal Code Act 1916. It further analyses the effectiveness of X’s self-regulatory mechanisms, particularly the Community Notes programme, and highlights their limitations in curbing the rapid spread of false content. Drawing lessons from the regulatory approaches adopted in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and China, the article argues that Nigeria requires a balanced co-regulatory framework that promotes transparency, platform accountability, AI-assisted content verification, independent fact-checking, and media literacy while safeguarding constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression. The article concludes by proposing reform-oriented recommendations aimed at strengthening digital information integrity and combating the harmful effects of false information on Nigeria’s social media ecosystem.