Abuja: Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta) has announced that the bill for the Establishment of Physical Offices for Social Media Platforms in Nigeria, which he sponsors, has reached the public hearing stage. Representing Delta North Senatorial District and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, Nwoko shared this development in a statement provided to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the senate has scheduled a public hearing on the bill for July 22. This legislation aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, requiring major social media platforms operating in Nigeria to set up physical offices within the country. Nwoko emphasized that this advancement in the legislative process allows stakeholders, industry experts, civil society organizations, technology companies, legal practitioners, and the public to contribute to creating a more robust and responsive digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
“Nigeria is one of the world’s largest and most active digital markets,” Nwoko stated. He highlighted the reliance of millions of Nigerians on social media platforms for diverse activities such as communication, business, education, innovation, civic engagement, and entertainment. Despite generating significant value for global platforms, the absence of a physical presence in Nigeria poses challenges for users, regulators, and businesses. Nwoko clarified that the bill does not seek to restrict freedom of expression or interfere with the operations of digital platforms but aims to ensure that companies deriving substantial economic value from Nigeria maintain a reasonable corporate presence and responsibility within the country.
He explained that having a physical office would expedite user complaint resolution, enhance engagement with regulatory authorities, bolster compliance with data protection laws, and support consumer protection. Furthermore, it would encourage responsible corporate conduct and foster greater trust between these platforms and their Nigerian users, he noted.
Nwoko also pointed out the economic opportunities presented by the bill, such as encouraging investment, creating jobs for Nigerian professionals, expanding technology transfer opportunities, and supporting the growth of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem. He emphasized Nigeria’s strategic market status, advocating for a stronger corporate presence from global digital platforms, similar to other countries with significant operations.
The senator reiterated the importance of constructive contributions during the public hearing and underscored the value of consultation, dialogue, and exchange of ideas in building good legislation. He expressed confidence that the process would result in a balanced legal framework that protects users, promotes innovation, encourages investment, and strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.