The Senate has advanced legislative efforts to require Facebook, TikTok and other global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country, following strong support from stakeholders during a public hearing in Abuja.
The hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security, also received broad backing for a separate bill seeking to establish 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, making it mandatory for social media companies operating in Nigeria to maintain physical offices within the country’s territorial boundaries.
The AI Academy bill is sponsored by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South).
Declaring the public hearing open, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu (Ogun Central), said both bills are designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy and drive technological advancement.
According to him, while the social media bill aims to improve regulation, accountability and the protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, the proposed AI Academy will serve as a centre of excellence for artificial intelligence education, research and innovation.
Representing Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru (Kwara South) described the two proposals as forward-looking and important to Nigeria’s future.
He said the bill requiring social media companies to establish physical offices in Nigeria is not intended to restrict their operations but to encourage greater accountability and stronger engagement with the country.
Defending the bill, Senator Ned Nwoko dismissed concerns that the legislation could discourage investment or target 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 noted that several countries, including the United Kingdom, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Brazil, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, Australia and Japan, have successfully attracted global technology companies to establish local offices supporting engineering, artificial intelligence research, regulatory compliance, customer support and product development.
He cited Ireland as an example, saying the presence of companies such as Meta, Google, LinkedIn, TikTok and X has transformed the country into one of Europe’s leading technology hubs through job creation, innovation and increased foreign investment.
According to the lawmaker, Nigeria, as Africa’s largest digital market, should enjoy similar economic and technological benefits.
“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.
