The Nigerian Senate is advancing a bill requiring social media platforms to open physical offices in Nigeria, aiming to enhance user representation and address grievances. Sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko, it reflects Nigeria’s significant social media usage, while emphasizing support for bloggers. Senate leaders clarified that the bill does not limit freedom of expression.
The Nigerian Senate has advanced legislation requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2003, mandating these platforms to support Nigeria’s significant user base and engagement with social media.
Senator Nwoko highlighted Nigeria’s status as a leading social media hub, with usage rates noted in a Global Web Index report. He remarked that with a population of 220 million, Nigerians dedicate an average of up to three hours and 46 minutes online each day, emphasizing the platforms’ profound influence on various aspects of everyday life.
Despite the strong local presence of platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram, Nwoko pointed out their lack of physical offices in Nigeria, in contrast to their established offices abroad. He stated that the absence of local offices results in limited representation and missed economic opportunities, complicating user efforts to seek help or redress.
Additionally, the bill seeks to require bloggers to maintain a registered office for taxation purposes and liabilities. Senator Nwoko clarified that this initiative does not aim to stifle social media operations but instead demands acknowledgment of Nigeria’s essential role in global digital interactions.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, confirmed that the bill does not seek to restrict freedom of expression. He noted that bloggers would not be obligated to have physical offices, as they could work from various convenient locations. This legislation has successfully passed its second reading without opposition from other senators.
The bill introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko mandates social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria, reflecting the country’s significant role in global digital engagement. It aims to enhance local representation and address user grievances, while simultaneously accommodating the operational needs of bloggers. Despite concerns about freedom of expression, Senate leaders have emphasized that the legislation seeks to foster respect for Nigeria’s digital contributions rather than impose restrictions.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
