The Senate has taken significant steps toward mandating that international social media companies operating in Nigeria set up physical offices within the country, following strong support during a public hearing held in Abuja.
The legislation, introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 to stipulate that social media platforms must have offices in Nigeria.
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Additionally, stakeholders endorsed a distinct proposal to create an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.
Deputy Senate Leader Senator Lola Ashiru, representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasized that the proposed legislation is intended to foster accountability and engagement with Nigeria, not to obstruct technology firms.
In defending the proposal, Nwoko stated, “This bill is not punitive or anti-innovation. It aims to encourage deeper engagement and make these companies genuine corporate citizens in Nigeria, without discouraging investment.”
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He mentioned that nations like the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and Brazil have successfully attracted major tech firms to open local offices, generating jobs, increasing tax revenue, and enhancing innovation.
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“These nations recognized early the importance of the digital economy alongside the traditional economy,” he remarked.
Nwoko argued that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest digital market, should reap similar benefits, questioning, “If countries with much smaller populations and digital markets have succeeded in attracting these investments, why should Nigeria remain on the sidelines? Why should the continent’s largest digital market not access the same opportunities?”
The Senate committee will consider feedback from stakeholders and subsequently present its findings for further legislative action.
