The Nigerian Senate has moved forward with a bill requiring multinational social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country.
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),’ the proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), passed its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Leading the debate, Nwoko emphasized that the bill is of national importance, aiming to uphold Nigeria’s sovereignty, strengthen the economy, and enhance technological development. He noted that despite Nigeria’s high digital engagement—ranking first in Africa and second globally in social media usage—major platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat lack physical offices in the country.
The senator outlined key concerns arising from this absence, including limited local representation, economic losses, and challenges in legal and data protection compliance. The bill also proposes regulations for bloggers, requiring them to maintain verifiable offices in any state capital, keep proper employee records, and join a recognized national association headquartered in Abuja. These measures, Nwoko explained, are designed to promote accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media landscape.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the need for digital platforms to have local offices but urged careful consideration of the bill’s provisions regarding bloggers. He clarified that the legislation is not aimed at restricting social media but at ensuring appropriate taxation and record-keeping for digital platforms operating in Nigeria.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further legislative review, with a report expected in two months.
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