Senate considers bill for social media offices in Nigeria
The Nigerian Senate is advancing a bill that would require global social media companies to set up physical offices within the country. The proposal, sponsored by Ned Nwoko, received strong support during a public hearing in Abuja. Another bill, sponsored by Yemi Adaramodu, aims to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Ekiti State. Lawmakers say these initiatives are designed to boost Nigeria’s digital economy and technological growth.
What we know
- The Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security organised a public hearing where stakeholders supported the bill.
- Ned Nwoko emphasized that the bill is not punitive and aims to encourage social media companies to become true corporate citizens in Nigeria.
- The proposed law seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to mandate physical offices for social media platforms operating in Nigeria.
- Godswill Akpabio, represented by Lola Ashiru, described the proposals as significant for national development.
- Lawmakers highlighted that other countries have benefited from similar requirements, leading to job creation, innovation, and increased investment.
