Google, Microsoft, TikTok, X and other international digital businesses that operate in Nigeria paid a total of N2.55 trillion ($1.5 billion) in taxes during the first half of this year.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications & Media Relations of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) on Tuesday and, jointly released with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
The statement is based on the information from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
According to NITDA, government revenue has increased due to payment of taxes by these tech companies.
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NITDA applaud the tech companies
For their adherence to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries, Google, Microsoft, X, and TikTok received praise from the development agency.
The Code provided explicit recommendations for regulating dangerous content and promoting online safety.
“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.”
“This significant increase in revenue underscores the role of robust regulatory frameworks in shaping compliance and driving revenue growth in the digital economy,” NITDA stated.
NITDA acknowledged the improvement but called for more cooperation between tech companies and authorities to tackle new digital issues, especially in the areas of user safety, transparency, and content moderation.