The Senate has taken a major step towards compelling global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country, following overwhelming support for the proposal at a public hearing in Abuja.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to require social media platforms operating in Nigeria to maintain offices within the country’s borders. Stakeholders also backed a separate bill proposing the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru said the proposed law is not meant to hinder technology companies but to promote greater accountability and engagement with Nigeria.
Defending the bill, Nwoko said: “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.”
He noted that countries such as the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Brazil have attracted global tech firms to establish local offices, creating jobs, boosting tax revenue and promoting innovation.
“These countries did not attract such investments by accident. They recognised early that the digital economy is now as important as the traditional economy,” he said.
Arguing that Nigeria deserves similar benefits as Africa’s largest digital market, Nwoko asked: “The question, therefore, is simple: if countries with significantly smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria have secured these investments and benefits, why should Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines? Why should Africa’s largest digital market not enjoy the same opportunities?”
The Senate committee will review submissions from stakeholders before presenting its report for further legislative action.
