The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for second reading, requiring social media platforms to establish physical and verifiable offices within Nigeria.
The bill, titled A Bill for an Act to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, 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 (SB.648), also mandates bloggers operating in Nigeria to maintain clear employee records.
Additionally, the Senate has set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate Cameroon’s alleged annexation of maritime territories, mangrove islands, and villages of the Effiat clan in Akwa Ibom’s Mbo Local Government Area.
Legislation to Regulate Social Media Presence
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the bill’s passage for second reading during plenary, following widespread support from senators via voice votes. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for further review and a public hearing, with a report expected in two months.
The bill’s sponsor, Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), emphasized that the legislation aims to boost Nigeria’s revenue from digital businesses rather than restrict social media platforms.
Nwoko pointed out that the absence of local offices for multinational social media platforms poses challenges, including unresolved user complaints, inadequate content moderation, loss of economic opportunities, and difficulty enforcing legal compliance.
“Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, with over 220 million people actively engaged in digital spaces,” Nwoko noted. “Yet, major social media companies lack physical representation here, unlike in countries such as the U.S., Canada, the UK, and India.”
He highlighted the economic impact, stating that requiring platforms to establish offices could create job opportunities in customer service, content moderation, and legal compliance. He also underscored the potential for technology transfer and improved enforcement of Nigeria’s data protection laws.
Nwoko added that bloggers operating in Nigeria must have a verifiable office in any state capital, maintain proper employee records, and register under a national bloggers’ association headquartered in Abuja.
Senate Probes Alleged Cameroonian Annexation of Nigerian Territories
Meanwhile, the Senate has launched an investigation into reports that Cameroon has unlawfully seized maritime territories, islands, and oil-rich waters belonging to Nigeria.
The Senate adopted a motion led by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East), co-sponsored by six other senators. The ad-hoc committee assigned to the case is chaired by Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and includes members such as Senators Adeniyi Adegbonmire, Seriake Dickson, Shehu Kaka, Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Agom Jarigbe, Ekong Sampson, and Bassey.
Bassey revealed that the disputed Mbo Mangrove Island, located along the Rio Del Rey estuary, has substantial oil and gas reserves. He stressed that the area was not included in the territories ceded to Cameroon under the 1913 Anglo-German treaties or the 2002 International Court of Justice ruling.
“It is unacceptable that Nigerians in 16 ancestral villages now live under Cameroonian laws,” Bassey stated, emphasizing the loss of over 2,560 oil wells and significant gas revenues.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin called for urgent action to prevent further encroachment. Senator Victor Umeh urged the Attorney General of the Federation to enforce Nigeria’s rights under the ICJ ruling.
The Senate leadership has resolved to engage President Bola Tinubu on the issue and recommended diplomatic action. The ad-hoc committee will submit its findings within two weeks.
Conclusion
The passage of the social media regulation bill and the launch of the territorial dispute investigation signal the Senate’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy and territorial sovereignty. The public hearing on the social media bill is expected to gather feedback from stakeholders, ensuring a balanced approach to regulation. Meanwhile, diplomatic and legal efforts are anticipated in response to the alleged annexation by Cameroon.
