By Caroline Ameh
The Nigerian Senate has taken a bold step toward compelling global social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country, as a proposed bill passed its second reading on Tuesday.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, making it mandatory for social media companies operating in Nigeria to have a physical presence.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Make it Mandatory for Social Media Platforms to Have Physical Offices Within Nigeria and for Other Related Matters, 2025,” the legislation received overwhelming support from lawmakers during the plenary session.
If enacted, the law would require companies like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok to establish operational offices in Nigeria, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing data protection measures.
The bill now moves to the committee stage for further deliberation before being presented for a third reading and potential passage into law.
