Senator Ned Nwoko proposes legislation that would require social media companies like TikTok and X to establish physical offices in Nigeria, potentially creating 200,000 jobs. The bill aims to enforce taxation and accountability for these companies while also regulating bloggers and digital content creators in Nigeria.
Ned Nwoko, a Senator from Delta North Senatorial District, has asserted that social media platforms such as TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have the potential to create 200,000 jobs for Nigerian youths by establishing physical offices in Nigeria. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he emphasized the issue of accountability for these companies operating within the nation without oversight.
Nwoko justified the necessity of the Bill to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, highlighting that Nigeria has long permitted large tech firms and social media giants to operate without responsibility. He stated, “We have millions of young, talented Nigerians looking for jobs. These social media companies are employing thousands of people in other countries, yet they ignore our people.”
The bill aims to require social media platforms and online businesses to create physical locations in Nigeria, promoting local control over the digital landscape. Nwoko remarked that while these companies profit significantly from Nigerian users, they neglect their tax obligations and job creation: “They make billions of dollars from our people, yet they do not pay the right taxes.”
Additionally, the proposed legislation addresses tax repatriation. Nwoko highlighted the financial losses Nigeria endures due to unregulated operations by these companies, stating that approximately 10 billion dollars in tax revenue is lost each year. He stressed the importance of these companies registering and paying taxes in the country, which could generate around one billion dollars annually for Nigeria’s economy.
The bill also intends to regulate bloggers and digital content creators, requiring them to possess a registered, verifiable address rather than simply an email or phone number. He pointed out the inconsistency in professional regulation: “Bloggers should belong to a recognised media union.”
The context of this legislation comes on the heels of Nigeria’s past demands, such as the 2021 requirement for Twitter to establish a local office, which was not met until recently. Presently, Meta is the sole social media company with an established office in Nigeria, despite recent cutbacks affecting Nigerian employees.
Senator Ned Nwoko’s advocacy for amending the Nigerian Data Protection Act emphasizes the potential for job creation and accountability among social media companies operating in Nigeria. The proposed requirements for physical offices, tax compliance, and the regulation of digital content creators aim to safeguard economic interests and enhance the digital landscape for Nigerian youths. Should these measures be implemented, they could significantly benefit the local economy and professional standards within the digital space.
Original Source: nairametrics.com
