The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill requiring social media platforms to open physical offices in the country. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the legislation aims to enhance local presence and address economic opportunities as Nigeria ranks highly in social media usage globally. The bill received unanimous support in the Senate and seeks to promote respect for Nigeria’s role in the digital space.
A recent bill proposing that major social media platforms establish physical offices in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta-North), this legislation seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2003, and establishes obligatory office presence for social media companies within the country, thus addressing various related matters.
Senator Nwoko highlighted Nigeria’s position as a prominent social media hub, stating that the country leads Africa in user engagement and ranks second globally. He referenced a Global Web Index report from Business Insider Africa, indicating that with a population of around 220 million, Nigerians engage for an average of three hours and forty-six minutes daily on social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and others.
The senator emphasized the significance of these platforms, noting that they serve as vital avenues for communication, influence, and economic opportunities. However, he pointed out that despite Nigeria’s high engagement, these companies have not established a local presence, while other countries, including the US and UK, benefit from such offices that handle regional issues and support local partnerships.
Senator Nwoko argued that the lack of physical offices in Nigeria hinders local representation and limits economic benefits. He clarified that the bill is not intended to regulate social media operations but is instead a request for recognition of Nigeria’s substantial impact in the digital space. Furthermore, the legislation would also mandate bloggers to establish registered offices to facilitate taxation and enable redress mechanisms.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, supported the bill, assuring that it does not infringe on freedom of expression. He addressed concerns about bloggers, stating that they could operate from various locations, as a physical office is not strictly necessary for all content creators. Senate discussions confirmed no opposition to the bill during its second reading.
In conclusion, the proposed bill mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria signifies the country’s recognition of its substantial engagement in the digital landscape. Senator Ned Nwoko’s advocacy reflects a desire for better representation and local engagement from global platforms, while simultaneously supporting existing content creators. The Senate’s assurance that the bill will not hinder freedom of expression further emphasizes its intent to foster a better digital environment for Nigerians.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
