In a move to enhance regulatory oversight and economic engagement in Nigeria’s digital space, the Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill mandating social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices within the country.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko representing Delta North, successfully passed its second reading on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, during the Senate plenary session.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The bill, which focuses on improving accountability among digital platforms operating in Nigeria, includes the following provisions:
1. Social Media Platforms Must Have Physical Offices in Nigeria
Major social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat will be required to set up physical offices within Nigeria.
2. Bloggers Must Have Verifiable Offices and Legal Registration
Independent bloggers and online publishers will need to:
- Have a registered and verifiable office address in any state capital.
- Be part of a recognized national association headquartered in Abuja.
- Maintain proper employee records to ensure compliance with labor laws.
The bill aims to regulate online content creators, ensuring they adhere to professional and legal standards.
Why Is This Bill Important?
According to Senator Ned Nwoko, Nigeria ranks first in Africa and second globally in terms of daily social media usage, with Nigerians spending an average of 3 hours and 46 minutes online every day. Despite this, most multinational social media corporations do not have a local office in the country.
This lack of physical presence has resulted in:
- Limited engagement with Nigerian authorities on matters such as cyber regulations and misinformation.
- Lost economic opportunities in taxation and employment.
- Challenges in enforcing legal compliance, especially in data protection and defamation cases.
Senate Debate and Approval
During the plenary session, the bill received widespread support from senators. Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized that the bill’s goal is to ensure social media companies operate legally within Nigeria rather than restrict freedom of expression.
After deliberations, the bill was approved for further review, moving to the Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for public hearings and additional consultations. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two months.
Potential Impact of the Bill
If passed into law, the bill could lead to significant changes in Nigeria’s digital landscape:
- Increased Government Oversight: The presence of physical offices will allow authorities to engage directly with social media companies on regulatory issues.
- Job Creation: Companies establishing offices in Nigeria may hire local employees.
- Better Content Regulation: Bloggers and digital publishers will be held accountable for false information and defamatory content.
However, critics argue that the bill may place unnecessary restrictions on digital entrepreneurs and create barriers for small bloggers who may struggle with the financial burden of maintaining a physical office.
Next Steps
The bill will undergo further scrutiny by the Senate ICT and Cyber Security Committee before returning for a final vote. A public hearing will also be conducted to gather input from digital stakeholders, including representatives from social media companies, media organizations, and the general public.
For more insights, watch Senator Ned Nwoko discuss the proposed bill:
WATCH VIDEO:
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