Nigerian Senate Moves to Regulate Social Media with New Bill

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for first reading that seeks to amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act of 2023. The amendment, introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko, aims to compel major social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok, to establish physical offices within Nigeria.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, Mandating the Establishment of

Physical Offices within the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters, 2025,” was

first presented by Senator Nwoko on November 21, 2024. The proposed amendment seeks to address concerns

about data protection, user complaints, and the enforcement of Nigerian laws.

If passed into law, the bill would require social media platforms to establish a physical presence in Nigeria, which

would enable regulators to hold them accountable for their actions. This move is expected to create employment

opportunities, improve content moderation, and enhance trust between stakeholders and platform operators.

The bill also proposes to alter Section 65 of the Principal Act by introducing new definitions, including “Data

Controllers,” “Data Processors,” and “Operators of Social Media Platforms.” These definitions aim to provide clarity

and ensure compliance with the law.

Senator Nwoko emphasized the importance of regulating social media platforms, stating that the move is targeted

towards strengthening stakeholder confidence and enhancing swift resolution of complaints. He noted that the bill

would require social media platforms to establish and maintain a physical office within Nigeria, staffed and

authorized to engage with regulators, stakeholders, and the public.

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The Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has welcomed the proposed amendment, stating that it would enhance the protection of Nigerian users’ data. The NDPC has already mandated banks, telecom companies, insurance companies, and other organizations that control Nigerian data to apply for data protection compliance monitoring.

The bill has sparked mixed reactions, with some experts arguing that it could lead to job creation and improved content moderation, while others have raised concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression and the digital economy.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is expected to undergo further scrutiny and debate. If passed into law, it could have significant implications for social media platforms operating in Nigeria.

The Nigerian government has been increasing its efforts to regulate social media platforms, citing concerns about national security, hate speech, and misinformation.