A bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to require social media platforms to establish physical offices in the country has passed its second reading in the Senate.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters, 2025 (SB. 650),” was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (APC, Delta North).
Following the debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, with a directive to present its report within two months.
Why the Bill Matters
In his lead debate, Senator Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s dominant presence in the global digital space. He cited a Global Web Index report published by Business Insider Africa, stating that with over 220 million people, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second globally in terms of social media usage, with users spending an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily online.
Despite this high engagement, he noted that major social media corporations such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat do not have physical offices in Nigeria, unlike in other regions.
Key Issues Addressed in the Bill
The senator outlined several challenges caused by the absence of social media offices in Nigeria, including:
Limited Local Representation: No direct physical presence for engagement with Nigerian authorities and businesses.
Economic Losses: Revenue generated from Nigerian users is not fully reinvested into the country’s economy.
Legal and Data Protection Compliance Challenges: Difficulties in enforcing Nigeria’s laws and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
New Regulations for Bloggers
The bill also proposes new regulations for bloggers operating in Nigeria. It mandates that all bloggers must:
- Establish a verifiable office in any of Nigeria’s capital cities.
- Maintain proper employee records.
- Belong to a recognized national association of bloggers, headquartered in Abuja.
According to Senator Nwoko, these measures aim to promote accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media space, aligning bloggers with the standards of traditional media houses.
He clarified that the bill is not an attack on social media platforms but rather a call for equity and respect for Nigeria’s position as a global leader in digital engagement.
What’s Next?
The bill is now under review by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, which is expected to present its report in two months. If passed into law, social media platforms and bloggers operating in Nigeria will be required to comply with the new regulations or face potential legal consequences.
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