A bill requiring social media companies to set up physical offices in Nigeria progressed to its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Sen. Ned Nwoko, it aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act and addresses local representation issues and economic opportunities. Additionally, bloggers operating in Nigeria will be mandated to establish verifiable offices.
A recent legislative development in Nigeria has seen a bill, aimed at mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices within the nation, progress to its second reading in the Senate. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), the proposed legislation seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to ensure that these platforms maintain a local presence for regulatory and operational purposes.
Senator Nwoko emphasized the need for this bill during a plenary session on Tuesday. Highlighting Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous country and a leader in digital engagement, he pointed out that over 220 million Nigerians significantly rely on social media, averaging nearly four hours of usage daily, as indicated by the Global Web Index.
The legislator expressed concerns regarding the challenges posed by the absence of physical offices for multinational social media companies. The lack of local representation complicates engagement and communication, and it has resulted in the loss of economic opportunities for Nigeria. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that all bloggers operating in Nigeria are required to establish verifiable offices in any of Nigeria’s capital cities.
In conclusion, the proposed bill mandating social media companies to establish offices in Nigeria reflects the country’s need for improved local representation and enhanced engagement. By addressing these gaps, the legislation aims not only to boost local operations but also to seize economic opportunities currently lost due to the absence of physical offices. This initiative underscores the significance of Nigeria as a pivotal player in the global digital landscape.
Original Source: www.nigeriainfo.fm
