DistantNews
Support us
🇳🇬 Nigeria /Elections & Politics

Senate pushes bill for Facebook, TikTok offices in Nigeria

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • The Nigerian Senate is advancing legislation that would require social media companies like Facebook and TikTok to establish physical offices in the country.
  • A public hearing overwhelmingly supported the bill, which aims to increase accountability and engagement, alongside a separate proposal for an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Ekiti State.
  • Proponents argue the bill is not punitive but seeks to foster deeper corporate citizenship and engagement, drawing parallels with other countries where tech firms have local operations.

Nigeria's Senate is moving forward with a bill that would compel social media giants, including Facebook and TikTok, to set up physical offices within the country. Stakeholders broadly endorsed the proposal during a public hearing in Abuja, signaling strong support for increased regulation of online platforms.

The legislation, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023. It mandates that social media companies operating in Nigeria maintain a physical presence within the nation's borders. This move is intended to enhance accountability and engagement between these global platforms and the Nigerian populace.

This Bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria.

— Ned NwokoSenator Nwoko defended the bill requiring social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria, addressing concerns about potential negative impacts on investment.

During the hearing, organized by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security, a second bill proposing the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti also garnered significant backing. Senate President Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru, characterized both bills as crucial for Nigeria's digital economy and technological advancement.

Senator Nwoko addressed concerns that the bill might deter investment, stating it is "neither punitive nor hostile to innovation." He emphasized that the goal is to encourage deeper engagement and make these companies "true corporate citizens." Nwoko pointed to numerous countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, and India, which have successfully attracted major technology firms to establish local offices, suggesting Nigeria's market size warrants similar engagement.

On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country.

— Ned NwokoSenator Nwoko explained the intent behind the proposed legislation, emphasizing a desire for greater corporate responsibility from tech firms.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog