The Nigerian Senate has taken another step in the legislative process for a bill that would require social media companies to establish physical offices within the country.
The proposed law, 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),” is sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North). The bill passed its second reading on Tuesday during plenary.
While leading the debate, Nwoko explained that the bill is essential for Nigeria’s sovereignty, economy, and technological advancement. He noted that, despite being Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people and a leading digital presence, Nigeria lacks local offices for major social media platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat.
According to a report cited by Business Insider Africa, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second globally in social media usage, with citizens spending an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily online. However, multinational tech companies have yet to establish direct offices in Nigeria, unlike in other countries.
Nwoko pointed out that the absence of these offices creates several issues, including limited local representation, economic losses, and difficulties in enforcing legal and data protection regulations.
The bill also introduces new regulations for bloggers operating in Nigeria. It proposes that bloggers must have a verifiable office in any of the country’s capital cities, maintain proper employee records, and be part of a recognized national association of bloggers headquartered in Abuja. The senator explained that these measures aim to ensure accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media space, similar to traditional media organizations.
Addressing concerns about the bill’s intent, Nwoko clarified that it is not designed to suppress social media but rather to establish fairness and respect for Nigeria’s role in the global digital space.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the importance of regulating digital platforms but noted that the issue of bloggers needed careful consideration.
“It’s good to have an address, but bloggers are slightly different. I think the best thing is for the bill to go for a second reading and subsequently public hearing for much more streamlined clarity,” Akpabio said.
He further explained that the bill is not aimed at restricting social media but at ensuring appropriate taxation and record-keeping for digital platforms operating in Nigeria.
