The Nigerian Senate has endorsed a Bill requiring social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, the Bill aims to enhance digital governance, local representation, and economic opportunities. It also mandates bloggers to have verifiable offices and membership in recognized associations. The Senate unanimously supported the Bill as a means to improve compliance and job creation.
On Tuesday, the Nigerian Senate advanced a Bill aimed at amending the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023. This legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, 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, 2024” (SB. 648), was sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko of Delta North.
Senator Nwoko opened the debate by underscoring the legislation’s significance for Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, economic growth, and the regulation of online platforms. He noted the disparity where despite Nigeria’s substantial social media user base, major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok lack physical presence in the country.
Nwoko stated, “Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second globally in daily social media usage, yet these multinational companies operate here without any physical presence.” He highlighted that these companies’ absence creates regulatory gaps, complicating the management of content policies and local partnerships.
The senator identified three major concerns tied to the absence of foreign social media offices in Nigeria: limited local representation, missed economic opportunities, and challenges in legal recourse. He elaborated, “The lack of a local presence creates a disconnect between the platforms and their Nigerian user base.”
Nwoko pointed out that the lack of physical offices hinders job creation, particularly in customer service, content moderation, and legal compliance. He expressed, “Imagine the thousands of young Nigerians who could be employed by these companies, gaining valuable skills and contributing to our economy.”
Emphasizing economic potential, he suggested that the establishment of local offices could facilitate technology transfer akin to what has occurred in countries like China and South Korea, fostering local partnerships that advance skill development among Nigerian professionals.
He remarked on the complex legal implications arising from the absence of these offices, stressing that the Bill aims to streamline processes related to data protection and user dispute resolution in Nigeria. “This Bill seeks to simplify this process by ensuring that these platforms are physically present.”
Nwoko contended that social media firms opening offices in Nigeria would bolster job creation, enhance technology transfer, and ensure compliance with local regulations. He drew parallels with corporations such as MTN and Shell, which have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s economy through local operations.
Furthermore, the Bill also mandates that bloggers operating in Nigeria must have a verifiable office in a capital city, alongside membership in a recognized national bloggers’ association based in Abuja to promote accountability in digital media.
The Bill received unanimous support from the senators, including Senate President Godwill Akpabio, who emphasized that its purpose is to enhance tax revenue for the Federal Government. Subsequently, the Bill was referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security.
The recent passage of the Bill by the Nigerian Senate to mandate social media companies to establish offices in Nigeria signifies a significant step toward enhancing digital governance, economic growth, and user engagement. By addressing critical gaps in local representation and regulatory compliance, the proposed legislation seeks to bolster Nigeria’s position in the global digital landscape while promoting job creation and technological advancement. The unanimous support from senators underscores a collective commitment to fostering a more robust digital ecosystem within the nation.
Original Source: businessday.ng
