The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill requiring
major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and
TikTok, to establish physical offices within Nigeria.
The bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the
Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023’, passed its second reading during Tuesday’s
plenary session. It was initially introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North)
in November 2024.
The legislation aims to regulate the country’s rapidly
growing digital space and ensure accountability from global tech
giants operating in Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to amend the existing
Nigeria Data Protection Act, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu
in June 2023.
Senator Nwoko, leading the debate, emphasised the need
for Nigeria to align with global data protection standards while addressing
gaps in oversight of digital platforms. Highlighting Nigeria’s position as
Africa’s most populous nation, with over 220 million people and the continent’s
highest social media usage.
According to a Global Web Index report, Nigerians
spend an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily on social media, ranking
second globally in online engagement. Despite this, major platforms such as
Facebook, X, and TikTok operate without physical offices in Nigeria, unlike in
other countries.
The bill mandates these platforms, along with data
controllers, processors, and bloggers, to establish verifiable physical offices
in Nigeria. Proponents argue this will improve user support, ensure compliance
with local laws, facilitate tax collection, and stimulate economic growth
through job creation and investment.
Senate president Godswill Akpabio clarified that the
bill is not intended to stifle free speech but to promote accountability and
proper taxation.
According to him, “The bill has been referred to the
Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further review. The committee is
expected to conduct public hearings and report back within two months.”
If enacted, the legislation could reshape Nigeria’s
digital landscape, setting a precedent for other African nations.
However, critics warn the bill may impose operational
burdens on social media companies and independent bloggers, potentially leading
to reduced services or higher costs for users.
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