Senator Ned Nwoko has proposed a bill to mandate social media platforms, like TikTok and X, to establish offices in Nigeria, potentially creating 200,000 jobs. The legislation aims to ensure accountability and proper taxation of these companies, addressing Nigeria’s revenue losses due to their operations. Additionally, it seeks to regulate bloggers, establishing professional standards and accountability.
Senator Ned Nwoko, representing Delta North, has stated that social media platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) could potentially generate 200,000 jobs for Nigerian youths if they are required to establish physical offices in Nigeria. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Nwoko emphasized the necessity of the Bill to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, which seeks to hold these tech companies accountable in Nigeria.
The Senator argued that the bill is timely, asserting that it is essential for social media giants to have a physical presence in the country. He proclaimed, “We have millions of young, talented Nigerians looking for jobs. These social media companies are employing thousands of people in other countries, yet they ignore our people.” He opined that establishing offices could lead to significant employment opportunities in customer service, technology, and content moderation.
Nwoko clarified that the bill aims to facilitate the establishment of office locations for social media companies in Nigeria, thereby allowing the nation to take control of its digital landscape. He criticized these companies for their lack of compliance with local tax laws and job creation. Citing examples from France, Ireland, and the UK, he questioned, “Why are we scared to do the same? Are we less of a nation? No!”
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Nwoko highlighted the anticipated tax repatriation associated with the passage of this bill. The proposed legislation stipulates that companies conducting business in Nigeria must register, pay taxes, and generate local employment. He remarked that Nigeria is currently losing over $10 billion annually in tax revenue from these companies operating without local offices.
Moreover, the bill also aims to regulate bloggers and digital content creators in Nigeria. Nwoko proposed that bloggers should possess a verifiable address and belong to recognized media unions, similar to other professional fields in Nigeria. He stated, “If there is a complaint against a blogger, there must be a professional body to hold them accountable.”
It is notable that Nigeria previously mandated Twitter to establish its office in the country before lifting its ban in 2021. However, this requirement was not fulfilled until after its sale to Elon Musk in 2022. Currently, only Meta, the parent company of Facebook, maintains a physical presence in Nigeria, and it has notably reduced its workforce in Lagos.
In summary, Senator Ned Nwoko has advocated for a bill that would compel social media companies to set up physical offices in Nigeria, potentially generating 200,000 jobs for local youths. The legislation aims to ensure accountability, proper tax compliance, and regulation of digital content creators. With significant revenue losses attributed to the absence of local offices, the proposed measures highlight the urgent need for these companies to contribute positively to Nigeria’s economy.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
