Senate Approves First Reading of Bill Mandating Social Media Firms to Open Physical Offices in Nigeria
ABUJA/Nigeria: The Nigerian Senate has passed the first reading of a significant bill sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) that seeks to mandate social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating within Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices Within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters,” cleared its first legislative hurdle on November 21, 2024.
The proposed legislation aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, by introducing a new Article P under Section 5. This provision would grant the Data Protection Commission the authority to compel social media platforms and other data processors to establish physical offices in Nigeria. Failure to comply with this directive would result in a ban on such platforms operating within the country.
Additionally, the bill seeks to revise Section 65 by introducing new definitions, such as “Data Controllers,” “Data Processors,” and “Operators of Social Media Platforms,” to ensure greater clarity and enforceability of the law.
In the explanatory memorandum, the bill outlines key concerns that arise from the absence of local offices for social media platforms, including the lack of effective local representation, delays in resolving user complaints, and challenges faced by regulators in enforcing Nigerian laws.
The memorandum also highlights the potential economic benefits of the proposed amendments, which include job creation, enhanced content moderation, quicker dispute resolution, and increased trust between platform operators and local stakeholders.
Senator Nwoko, in his address, emphasised the importance of ensuring that social media platforms operating in Nigeria adhere to global best practices while respecting local laws and cultural norms. He described the proposed bill as a necessary step toward aligning Nigeria’s digital environment with international standards while safeguarding the interests of its citizens.
