The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill mandating multinational social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the legislation aims to enhance digital sovereignty, support the economy, and ensure better regulation of online platforms. The bill was unanimously supported and referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further discussion.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate advanced a bill for a second reading aimed at amending the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023. This proposed legislation, known as “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023,” mandates that multinational social media platforms establish physical offices within Nigeria. Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North sponsored the bill, highlighting its significance for Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and economic growth.
Senator Nwoko emphasized the gap created by the absence of physical offices for major platforms like Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok, despite Nigeria ranking first in Africa for social media usage. He stated that this situation hinders effective regulation, content management, and collaboration with local users. The absence of local representation leads to three main concerns: limited local engagement, missed economic opportunities, and challenges in legal recourse for users.
In his statement, Nwoko expressed, “The lack of a local presence creates a disconnect between the platforms and their Nigerian user base.” He articulated that issues regarding user complaints and regulatory compliance are exacerbated by geographical distance. The absence of physical offices also impedes job creation opportunities in customer service, moderation, and legal compliance, denying Nigeria beneficial technology transfer from these companies.
Nwoko further noted, “Economically, it denies Nigeria the benefits of job creation… Imagine the thousands of young Nigerians who could be employed by these companies.” He argued that local offices would facilitate technology transfer and provide learning opportunities for Nigerian professionals in various tech sectors.
The legislative proposal includes a stipulation requiring all bloggers in Nigeria to have verifiable offices in capital cities and to belong to a recognized national association headquartered in Abuja. This measure is intended to enhance professionalism in the digital media landscape.
The bill received unanimous support from senators, with Senate President Godwill Akpabio clarifying that the intent is to increase tax revenue for the government, not to suppress media activity. Following this discussion, the bill was forwarded to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further evaluation.
In summary, the Nigerian Senate has progressed a bill that demands social media companies establish physical offices in Nigeria. This legislation seeks to protect digital sovereignty, create job opportunities, and improve compliance with local regulations. Its approval reflects a collective desire to enhance Nigeria’s digital economy and foster a more accountable online environment. Furthermore, the requirement for bloggers to have local offices signals a commitment to professionalism within the digital media space.
Original Source: businessday.ng
