The Nigerian Senate has passed for second reading a bill that requires social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, and ensure social media giants like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok set up local operations.
Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s significant digital presence, ranking second globally in social media usage.
The bill also mandates bloggers to establish verifiable offices in capital cities and join a national association.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the bill seeks transparency and accountability, not to gag social media. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT for further review.
