Senate advances bill to compel Facebook, TikTok, others to open offices in Nigeria

The Senate has advanced a bill seeking to compel global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country, following widespread support from stakeholders during a public hearing in Abuja.

 

The hearing, organised on Thursday by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security, also considered a separate bill proposing the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

 

The social media bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to require social media platforms operating in Nigeria to maintain physical offices within the country.

 

The AI Academy bill was sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South).

 

Declaring the hearing open, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu (Ogun Central), said the proposed legislations were designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and technological development.

 

He explained that while the social media bill seeks to improve regulation and accountability in Nigeria’s digital space, the AI Academy would serve as a centre for artificial intelligence education, research and innovation.

 

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), described both bills as forward-looking and significant to Nigeria’s development.

 

According to him, the proposal requiring social media companies to establish offices in Nigeria is not intended to hinder their operations but to promote greater accountability and engagement with the country.

 

Defending the bill, Senator Nwoko said the legislation was not aimed at discouraging investment or targeting technology companies.

 

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

 

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

 

Nwoko argued that several countries, including the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Brazil and Ireland, have attracted global technology firms to establish local operations, creating jobs, boosting tax revenues and promoting innovation.

 

“These countries did not attract such investments by accident. They recognised early that the digital economy is now as important as the traditional economy.

 

“By encouraging global technology companies to establish local operations, they have created employment, expanded tax revenues, strengthened regulatory engagement, promoted innovation and encouraged technology transfer to their citizens,” he said.

 

He cited Ireland as an example, noting that the presence of companies such as Meta, Google, LinkedIn, TikTok and X had transformed the country into one of Europe’s leading technology hubs.

 

“The question therefore is simple: if countries with significantly smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria have secured these investments and benefits, why should Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines? Why should Africa’s largest digital market not enjoy the same opportunities?” he asked.

 

The Senate committee is expected to review memoranda submitted by stakeholders before presenting its report to the Senate for further legislative consideration.