The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill requiring social media platforms to open physical offices in Nigeria to enhance local representation and economic opportunities. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the legislation reflects Nigeria’s status as a key social media hub. The bill includes provisions for bloggers to have traceable offices while ensuring freedom of expression is not compromised.
The Nigerian Senate has advanced a bill mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko of the All Progressives Congress, the legislation aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2003. Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s significant position as a major social media hub, highlighting its prominence in Africa and the world, based on findings from Global Web Index by Business Insider Africa.
Nigerians, with a population of approximately 220 million, reportedly engage with social media for an average of three hours and forty-six minutes daily. Senator Nwoko noted that platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and Snapchat play vital roles in communication, politics, entrepreneurship, education, and entertainment. Yet, despite high usage rates, these platforms do not maintain physical offices in Nigeria.
The senator pointed out that while these companies have established offices in various countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, India, Singapore, and Australia, they have overlooked Nigeria. The absence of local offices leads to limited representation and missed economic opportunities, as well as challenges in seeking redress. Nwoko clarified that the proposed bill aims to secure respect for Nigeria’s status in digital engagement, rather than impede social media activities.
Additionally, the bill stipulates that bloggers should have registered and traceable offices for accountability and taxation purposes. The bill passed its second reading without opposition. Senate President Godswill Akpabio reaffirmed that the legislation does not aim to stifle freedom of expression, emphasizing bloggers’ flexibility to operate from various locations.
The proposed legislation in the Nigerian Senate seeks to enhance the accountability and presence of social media platforms within the country by mandating them to set up physical offices. Highlighting Nigeria’s status as a major social media hub, Senator Ned Nwoko asserts that this step is essential for local representation and economic opportunity. Furthermore, the bill aims to protect bloggers’ interests while safeguarding freedom of expression.
Original Source: tribuneonlineng.com
