Senate Bill to Compel Social Media Giants to Open Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholders’ Backing
Senate Bill to Compel Social Media Giants to Open Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholders' Backing
Senate Bill to Compel Social Media Giants to Open Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholders’ Backing
A bill seeking to compel major global social media companies, including Meta, Google and X, to establish physical offices in Nigeria has moved a step closer to becoming law after receiving widespread support from stakeholders during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, making it mandatory for social media platforms and other digital service providers operating in Nigeria to maintain physical offices within the country.
Speaking during the public hearing, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security said the bill was aimed at strengthening the protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, improving regulatory oversight, enhancing consumer protection and ensuring greater corporate accountability by technology companies serving millions of Nigerians.
He explained that the committee also considered a separate bill seeking the establishment of a National Artificial Intelligence Academy, describing it as a strategic initiative that would position Nigeria as a hub for artificial intelligence education, research and innovation.
Representing the Senate leadership, a statement presented at the hearing described both bills as forward-looking legislative initiatives designed to strengthen governance, promote digital innovation and position Nigeria for the opportunities of the emerging digital economy.
The Senate stressed that the proposal requiring social media companies to establish offices in Nigeria was not intended to discourage investment or restrict innovation but rather to deepen the companies’ engagement with the country’s growing digital ecosystem.
According to the presentation, the proposed legislation seeks to encourage global technology companies to become more accountable corporate citizens by creating stronger local presence, improving compliance with Nigerian laws and enhancing collaboration with relevant regulatory institutions.
“This bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria. On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country,” the statement noted.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to strengthen data protection, improve regulatory engagement, facilitate quicker response to user complaints, create employment opportunities within Nigeria’s technology sector and enhance collaboration between global digital platforms and Nigerian authorities.
Senate Bill to Compel Social Media Giants to Open Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholders’ Backing
