The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill proposing that major social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, establish physical offices in Nigeria. Senator Ned Nwoko, who sponsored the bill, highlighted Nigeria’s significant online engagement and the importance of local representation for resolving grievances and capturing economic opportunities. The bill passed its second reading without opposition, emphasizing the need for accountability in the digital space while safeguarding freedoms.
The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill mandating social media platforms establish physical offices within the country. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of the APC representing Delta-North, the legislation aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2003. Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s significant role in global social media usage, identifying the country as a top hub in Africa and second worldwide according to a report from Business Insider Africa.
With a population nearing 220 million, Nigerian users reportedly spend an average of three hours and forty-six minutes online each day. Senator Nwoko highlighted that major platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, serve as essential tools for communication and influence various aspects of Nigerian society, including politics and entrepreneurship.
Despite high engagement levels, Nwoko noted that these platforms have not established physical offices in Nigeria, unlike in other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. He explained that the absence of local offices results in limited representation, missed economic opportunities, and challenges in addressing grievances.
Importantly, this legislation is described by the senator as a call for recognition rather than an attack on social media practices. The bill also stipulates that bloggers must have registered offices for accountability and tax purposes.
The bill was met with unanimous support during its second reading, with all senators in agreement. Senate President Godswill Akpabio clarified that the proposal seeks neither to inhibit free expression nor to impose restrictions on social media operations. He reassured that while bloggers typically work remotely, the bill aims to ensure accountability and proper governance in digital content creation.
The recent legislative move by the Nigerian Senate to require social media platforms to establish physical offices underscores the country’s burgeoning role in global digital engagement. Senator Ned Nwoko’s initiative not only aims to enhance local representation but also addresses accountability within the digital sphere. This progressive yet necessary approach promises to harness the vast opportunities that social media presents, securing Nigeria’s status as a leader in digital participation while ensuring users’ rights and recognition are upheld.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
