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The Senate has advanced legislative efforts to compel global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country, with stakeholders overwhelmingly backing the proposal during a public hearing in Abuja.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to mandate social media platforms to maintain physical offices within Nigeria’s territorial boundaries. The public hearing also received support for a separate bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Nwoko dismissed concerns that the legislation could discourage investment, citing examples of countries like Ireland that have attracted global tech firms.
Key Points:
The bill would require Facebook, TikTok and other social media companies to open physical offices in Nigeria.
The proposal seeks to improve regulation, accountability and engagement with the digital economy.
A separate bill proposes establishing an AI Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Senator Nwoko cited Ireland, India and the UAE as examples of countries benefiting from the presence of tech companies.
The committee will consider memoranda before presenting a report to the Senate.
Proponents argue the move will create jobs, boost tax revenues and strengthen accountability, while critics may view it as a potential barrier to investment. Global tech companies and digital rights advocates alike will closely watch the bill’s progression.
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