The Nigerian Senate has passed for first reading a bill seeking to amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023 by requiring major social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria.
The bill, 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,” was introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta State.
If passed, the bill would compel platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok, as well as independent bloggers, to set up offices in Nigeria. It also proposes that bloggers must have verifiable offices in any Nigerian capital city, maintain proper employee records, and join a recognized association based in Abuja.
During the Senate session, Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s strong digital presence, citing a report from Global Web Index that ranks the country second globally in social media engagement. He argued that the absence of local offices has led to challenges such as limited representation and difficulties in user engagement.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the potential benefits of requiring social media platforms to have a local presence, particularly for regulatory oversight and compliance. However, he advised caution regarding the regulation of bloggers, stressing the importance of protecting 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 stated.
He also clarified that the bill is not aimed at suppressing social media but rather improving taxation and record-keeping for digital platforms operating in Nigeria.
The Senate has referred the bill to the Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, which is expected to conduct a detailed review and submit its findings within two months.
