Following its second reading, new legislation to affect social media firms has been sent to the Senate ICT committee for review.

The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill requiring major social media platforms, including Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok, to establish physical offices within Nigeria.

The bill, titled ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023’, passed its second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session. It was initially introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North) in November 2024.

The legislation aims to regulate the country’s rapidly growing digital space and ensure accountability from global tech giants operating in Nigeria. Specifically, it seeks to amend the existing Nigeria Data Protection Act, which was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023.

Senator Nwoko, leading the debate, emphasised the need for Nigeria to align with global data protection standards while addressing gaps in oversight of digital platforms. Highlighting Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous nation, with over 220 million people and the continent’s highest social media usage.

According to a Global Web Index report, Nigerians spend an average of three hours and 46 minutes daily on social media, ranking second globally in online engagement. Despite this, major platforms such as Facebook, X, and TikTok operate without physical offices in Nigeria, unlike in other countries.

The bill mandates these platforms, along with data controllers, processors, and bloggers, to establish verifiable physical offices in Nigeria. Proponents argue this will improve user support, ensure compliance with local laws, facilitate tax collection, and stimulate economic growth through job creation and investment.

Senate president Godswill Akpabio clarified that the bill is not intended to stifle free speech but to promote accountability and proper taxation.

According to him, “The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for further review. The committee is expected to conduct public hearings and report back within two months.”

If enacted, the legislation could reshape Nigeria’s digital landscape, setting a precedent for other African nations.

However, critics warn the bill may impose operational burdens on social media companies and independent bloggers, potentially leading to reduced services or higher costs for users.