Big Tech And Bloggers Face New Rules In Nigeria: Senate Bill Takes A Step Forward

Senate Bill Aims to Change How Big Tech Operates in Nigeria

Let me break this down for you. The Nigerian Senate has just taken a bold step forward with a new bill. This bill seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. The goal? To require that social media giants like Facebook, TikTok, and others establish physical offices within the country. If you think about it, it’s a pretty significant move that could change the game for both tech companies and users in Nigeria.

This piece of legislation, known as “A Bill for an Act to Amend 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 Related Matters, 2025 (SB. 650),” was brought forward by Senator Ned Nwoko from Delta North. It’s not just another bill; it’s a step toward making sure that the country’s digital landscape aligns with its global status.

Why This Bill Matters

Here’s the thing: Senator Nwoko didn’t just pull this idea out of thin air. He pointed out that Nigeria has a massive digital footprint. As Africa’s most populous nation with over 220 million people, Nigeria ranks number one on the continent and second in the world for social media usage. That’s not something to take lightly. According to a report by the ‘Global Web Index’ cited by ‘Business Insider Africa,’ Nigerians spend an average of three hours and 46 minutes online every single day.

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But here’s the kicker—despite this incredible level of engagement, major social media companies like Facebook, 𝕏, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat don’t have physical offices in Nigeria. And that’s where the problem lies. Senator Nwoko highlighted several concerns, including the lack of proper representation, economic disadvantages, and difficulties in enforcing legal and data protection regulations. It’s like having a massive influence without taking responsibility for it.

What About Bloggers?

Now, let’s talk about bloggers. This bill doesn’t just focus on big tech companies; it also introduces some new requirements for bloggers operating in Nigeria. The bill mandates that bloggers must:

• Set up a verifiable office in any of the capital cities across the country.

• Keep detailed employee records.

• Affiliate with a recognized national association of bloggers, which will be headquartered in Abuja.

According to Senator Nwoko, these measures are all about promoting accountability, transparency, and professionalism in Nigeria’s digital media space. It’s about aligning the digital world with the standards we see in traditional media. He emphasized that this isn’t about targeting social media platforms unfairly—it’s about ensuring fairness and recognition for Nigeria’s role in the digital world.

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Senate President Weighs In

Senate President Godswill Akpabio recognizes the importance of having social media platforms establish local offices. However, he believes that regulating bloggers needs careful consideration. He said, “It’s good to have an address, but bloggers are slightly different. I think the best thing is for the bill to go for a second reading and subsequently public hearing for much more streamlined clarity.”

He made it clear that this legislation isn’t about suppressing social media. Instead, it’s about setting up a system for appropriate taxation and record-keeping for digital platforms operating in Nigeria. Senator Akpabio added, “I was looking to see if it intends to gag bloggers, but I haven’t seen that so we wait for it to get to the stage of public hearing.”

What Happens Next?

The bill has been handed over to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity. They are expected to present their report within two months. This step is crucial because it will provide a clearer picture of how the bill will affect both big tech companies and bloggers in Nigeria. It’s all about finding a balance that works for everyone involved.