On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate passed for first reading a bill aimed at amending the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023. The proposed amendment, introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta State, seeks to compel major social media platforms—such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok—to establish physical offices within Nigeria.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, Mandating the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters, 2025,” the bill also aims to regulate bloggers operating within the country. It proposes that bloggers establish verifiable offices in any Nigerian capital city, maintain proper employee records, and join a recognised association based in Abuja.
Senator Nwoko highlighted Nigeria’s significant digital presence, noting that the country ranks second globally in social media engagement with over 200 million people. He argued that having local offices is essential to ensure better regulatory oversight, easier engagement for users and businesses, and improve tax collection from these platforms.
During the Senate debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the potential benefits of local offices, particularly for regulatory compliance, but also urged caution in regulating bloggers to avoid stifling online expression. He emphasized that the bill’s purpose is not to suppress social media but to improve oversight, taxation, and record-keeping.
The Senate has tasked the Committee on ICT and Cyber Security with conducting a thorough review of the bill, with a report expected in two months.