Senate Pushes for Local Offices as Social Media Bill Gains Stakeholders’ Backing

Stakeholders on Thursday threw their weight behind the Senate’s proposed legislation seeking to compel social media platforms operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country. The support came during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security on a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North).
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Other Related Matters,” received broad backing from participants at the hearing.
Stakeholders also endorsed another bill seeking the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State. The bill, sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), aims to create a centre of excellence for AI education and research.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), said the bill on social media platforms is designed to strengthen the protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, while the AI Academy bill seeks to promote advanced education and research in artificial intelligence.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), described both bills as forward-looking and nationally significant legislative proposals. He said they reflect the Senate’s commitment to quality lawmaking and good governance, stressing that the proposal requiring social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria is not intended to stifle their operations.
Senator Ned Nwoko also dismissed concerns that the bill could discourage investment, insisting that it is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation.
“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.
Nwoko argued that many countries, including some with smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria,