JUST IN: Bill Sponsored By Senator Ned Nwoko Mandating Facebook, X, Others To Establish Offices In Nigeria Passes First Reading

A bill seeking to mandate social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country, has passed first reading at the floor of the senate.

BIGPEN NIGERIA (https://bigpenngr.com) reports that the bill being sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP Delta North), scaled its first legislative hurdle during today’s, November 21, 2024 plenary.

The Bill is entitled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices Within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms, and for Related Matters”.

The Bill proposes an addition to Section 5 of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, inserting a new Article P, which empowers the Data Protection Commission to require social media platforms and other data processors to establish physical offices in Nigeria.

It further stipulates that failure to comply would result in the prohibition of such entities from operating in the country.

The Bill also seeks to alter Section 65 by introducing new definitions, including “Data Controllers,” “Data Processors,” and “Operators of Social Media Platforms,” among others, to provide clarity and ensure compliance with the law.

According to the explanatory memorandum, the bill addresses critical issues stemming from the absence of local offices for social media platforms.

These include the lack of local representation, delays in resolving user complaints, and the challenges regulators face in enforcing Nigerian laws. It also pointed out the economic benefits of the proposed amendment, including job creation, improved content moderation, faster resolution of disputes, and enhanced trust between stakeholders and platform operators.

Leading debate on the bill, Senator Nwoko stressed the urgency of “ensuring that social media platforms operating within Nigeria adhere to global best practices while respecting local laws and cultural sensitivities”.