The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill seeking to compel major social media platforms, including Facebook, YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok, to establish physical offices within the country.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023,” was introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta State and passed its first reading on Tuesday. It also proposes new regulations for bloggers, requiring them to have verifiable offices in any Nigerian capital city, maintain proper employee records, and join a recognised association.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the potential benefits of the bill, particularly for regulatory oversight and taxation. However, he cautioned against excessive control over bloggers, stressing the need for a balanced approach to avoid stifling online expression.
The bill will now proceed to a public hearing for further deliberation, while the Senate’s Committee on ICT and Cyber Security has been tasked with conducting a thorough review and presenting its findings within two months.
