Senate Moves to Mandate Social Media Offices in Nigeria

On Thursday, the Nigerian Senate advanced a legislative proposal to compel global social media companies, including Facebook and TikTok, to establish physical offices in Nigeria. This initiative, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, mandating these companies to maintain offices within Nigeria's territorial boundaries.

The public hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security, received overwhelming support. Senator Shuaib Salisu, the committee chairman, emphasized that the bill aims to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and improve cyberspace regulation.

Additionally, a separate bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), was also supported. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), described both proposals as significant for national development.

Nwoko defended the bill against concerns of discouraging investment, asserting it encourages global technology firms to engage more deeply with Nigeria.