The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed for first reading a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, which would require major social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, Mandating the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters, 2025,” was introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko from Delta State.
The bill, first presented by Nwoko on November 21, 2024, aims to compel global social media giants such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers to set up local offices in Nigeria.
In addition to the social media platforms, the proposed amendment also seeks to regulate bloggers operating in Nigeria, requiring them to have verifiable office addresses in any Nigerian capital city, keep proper employee records, and be affiliated with a recognised association based in Abuja.
During the Senate debate, Nwoko cited Nigeria’s high digital engagement, referencing a Global Web Index report published by Business Insider Africa. He noted that with a population exceeding 200 million, Nigeria ranks second globally in social media usage.
He argued that requiring social media platforms to establish local offices is long overdue, stating that their absence has led to limited local representation and challenges in direct engagement for users and businesses.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the benefits of having physical offices for social media platforms, particularly in enhancing regulatory oversight and compliance. However, he urged caution regarding the regulation of bloggers, emphasizing the need to protect online expression.
“It’s beneficial to have an address, but bloggers are a bit different. The best approach is for the bill to go for a second reading, followed by a public hearing to provide more clarity,” Akpabio said.
He reassured that the intent of the bill is not to suppress social media activity but to improve taxation and record-keeping for digital platforms in Nigeria.
The Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security has been tasked with reviewing the bill and is expected to report its findings within two months.