By Ifeoluwa Odunayo
The Senate has advanced a bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act to mandate social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices in Nigeria.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill targets platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat, citing concerns over legal accountability, economic growth, and data protection.
Nwoko argued that despite Nigeria’s massive digital presence, the absence of local offices hinders regulation and fair taxation.
The bill also proposes that bloggers must maintain verifiable offices in state capitals, register with a national association, and keep employee records to enhance accountability.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio backed the idea but cautioned against excessive regulation that could stifle free speech.
He emphasized that the bill aims to ensure transparency and proper taxation rather than restrict online expression.
The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity for further review and will return for deliberation in two months.
