Stakeholders have endorsed a proposed bill that would require major social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country.
The support was expressed during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, where lawmakers also considered a separate bill seeking to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
The social media bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, by making it mandatory for social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating in Nigeria to maintain physical offices within the country.
According to the Senate Committee Chairman, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the proposed legislation is designed to strengthen Nigeria's digital ecosystem, improve regulatory oversight, and encourage greater investment in the country's technology sector.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru described both bills as forward-looking initiatives intended to promote technological advancement and improve governance.
Senator Nwoko said the legislation is not meant to discourage innovation or investment but to encourage global technology companies to become responsible corporate citizens in Nigeria.
He argued that establishing local offices would improve cooperation with regulators, strengthen data protection enforcement, enhance consumer protection, boost tax compliance, create employment opportunities, and facilitate technology transfer through partnerships with Nigerian professionals, startups, and educational institutions.
The senator noted that many leading social media platforms—including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat—have millions of Nigerian users but do not maintain physical offices in the country.
The bill also includes provisions aimed at improving accountability and professionalism in Nigeria's digital media space, including measures affecting bloggers operating within the country.
Supporters believe the proposed law will align Nigeria with international best practices while ensuring that multinational technology companies contribute more directly to the country's economy and regulatory framework.
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