Senate Backs Bill for Social Media Offices in Nigeria

On Thursday, a proposed bill mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria garnered significant backing during a Senate hearing. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta-North, was discussed by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, chaired by Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu of Ogun-Central.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023,” it aims to enhance the presence of social media companies within Nigeria's territorial boundaries. Senator Salisu emphasized that the bill is intended to protect the nation's cyberspace.

Senator Nwoko reassured users that the bill is not punitive or hostile to innovation but aims to encourage social media companies to engage more deeply with Nigeria. He noted that establishing physical offices is a global standard, citing examples of major tech companies with multiple offices worldwide.

The President of the Senate, Goodwill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, described the bill as a forward-looking legislative proposal to improve governance.