The Senate has moved closer to making global social media companies operating in Nigeria, like Facebook, X formerly Twitter) and TikTok, establish physical offices in the country.
The proposal received strong support from stakeholders during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security in Abuja on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to require social media companies doing business in Nigeria to maintain offices within the country.
Speaking at the hearing, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, said the bill was not meant to restrict the activities of technology companies but to improve accountability and strengthen their relationship with Nigeria.
Defending the bill, Nwoko said it was designed to benefit both Nigeria and the companies.
“This bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria.
“On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country,” he said.
The senator noted that countries such as the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Brazil have attracted global technology companies to establish local offices, creating jobs, increasing tax revenue and boosting innovation.
He added that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest digital market, should enjoy similar benefits.
“The question, therefore, is simple: if countries with significantly smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria have secured these investments and benefits, why should Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines?” Nwoko asked.
The committee will now consider memoranda submitted by stakeholders before presenting its report to the Senate for further legislative action.
