By Abiola Olawale
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed for a second reading of a bill mandating social media giants like Facebook, as well as bloggers and other digital content creators, to establish physical offices within the country.
The bill, 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 said to be aimed at enhancing accountability, boosting the economy, and strengthening data protection compliance.
The bill was sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North Senatorial District of Delta State.
Nwoko, in his debate, said the legislation addresses the growing influence of digital platforms in Nigeria, a nation recognized as Africa’s leader in social media usage.
Nwoko emphasized that the absence of local offices for these platforms has led to economic losses, limited representation, and challenges in resolving complaints swiftly.
“This bill is not an attack on social media but a call for equity and respect for Nigeria’s position as a global leader in digital engagement,” he stated during the debate.
The lawmaker also explained that the proposed law sets specific requirements for bloggers, mandating them to establish verifiable offices in any of Nigeria’s capital cities, maintain employee records, and join a recognized national association headquartered in Abuja.
These measures, according to Nwoko, are designed to promote transparency and professionalism in the digital media space, akin to standards upheld by traditional media outlets.
Following debates, the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who presided over the session, clarified that the bill’s intent is not to stifle free expression but to ensure proper taxation and record-keeping.
“I haven’t seen anything suggesting this is meant to gag bloggers,” Akpabio remarked, adding that a public hearing would provide further clarity and allow stakeholder input.
The bill has now been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, which is tasked with reviewing it and reporting back within two months.
If passed into law, it could reshape Nigeria’s digital landscape, potentially fostering job creation and local investment while raising questions about the balance between regulation and online freedom.
