In a move to strengthen digital regulations, the Nigerian Senate on Tuesday introduced a bill to amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023, aiming to mandate major social media platforms to establish physical offices in the country.
The amendment targets platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers, requiring them to maintain a local presence in Nigeria.
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,” the bill was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta State and was first introduced on November 21, 2024.
Beyond social media companies, the bill seeks to regulate independent bloggers, mandating that they establish verifiable offices in any Nigerian capital city, maintain employee records, and register with a recognized association based in Abuja.
During deliberations, Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s significant digital footprint, citing a Global Web Index report highlighted by Business Insider Africa, which ranks Nigeria among the top nations for social media engagement.
He argued that the absence of local offices has created challenges, including inadequate representation and limited direct engagement between users, businesses, and the platforms.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the benefits of the bill in enhancing regulatory oversight and compliance but 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 bill is not intended to suppress social media but to improve taxation and accountability for digital platforms operating in Nigeria.
The Senate has assigned the Committee on ICT and Cyber Security to review the bill thoroughly and submit its findings within two months.
