Senate Moves to Amend Nigeria Data Protection Act, Social Media Platforms in Focus

The Nigerian Senate has initiated moves to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, citing the need to regulate Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and ensure accountability from international tech companies operating within the country.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, making it mandatory for social media companies operating in Nigeria to have a physical presence.

This legislation, known as the ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023’, passed its second reading in a plenary session.

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Make it Mandatory for Social Media Platforms to Have Physical Offices Within Nigeria and for Other Related Matters, 2025,” the legislation received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the plenary session.

Initially introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) in November 2024, the bill aims to regulate Nigeria’s rapidly evolving digital landscape and ensure accountability from international tech companies operating within the country. It seeks to amend the existing Nigeria Data Protection Act, which President Bola Tinubu signed into law in June 2023.

Also Read: Nigeria, Kenya Tops List in Data Privacy Enforcement in 2024

During the debate, Senator Nwoko stressed the importance of Nigeria aligning with global data protection standards while addressing the current gaps in oversight of digital platforms. He pointed out that Nigeria is Africa’s most populous country, with over 220 million residents and the highest social media usage on the continent.

A report from the Global Web Index indicates that Nigerians spend an average of three hours and 46 minutes on social media daily, making the country rank second globally in online engagement. However, while these prominent platforms operate in Nigeria, they currently do not have physical offices in the country, unlike in other nations.

The bill requires these platforms, along with data controllers, processors, and bloggers, to establish verifiable physical offices in Nigeria. Advocates of the legislation argue that this will enhance user support, ensure compliance with local regulations, facilitate tax collection, and drive economic growth through job creation and investments.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the bill’s purpose is not to hinder free speech but to promote accountability and appropriate taxation.

He stated, “The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further examination. The committee is expected to conduct public hearings and provide feedback within two months.”

If passed, this legislation has the potential to transform Nigeria’s digital environment and may set a benchmark for other African countries.

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However, critics are concerned that the bill could impose significant operational challenges on social media companies and independent bloggers, potentially resulting in decreased services or increased user costs.