Senate has advanced a bill seeking to compel major social media and technology companies, including Meta, Google and X, to establish physical offices in Nigeria, following widespread support from stakeholders at a public hearing.
The proposed legislation, which seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, would require social media platforms operating in Nigeria to maintain a physical presence in the country as part of efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve digital governance, during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, where stakeholders expressed support for the proposal.
Speaking at the hearing, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security said the bill was aimed at enhancing the protection of Nigeria’s cyberspace, while a separate bill seeking to establish a National Artificial Intelligence Academy would create a centre of excellence for AI education, research and innovation.
Representing the Senate leadership, a statement described both bills as forward-looking legislative initiatives intended to strengthen governance through technology-focused reforms.
Lawmakers stressed that the proposed legislation was not designed to discourage investment or hinder innovation but to ensure that global technology companies have a stronger operational presence in Nigeria.
Presenting the bill, its sponsor said the proposal seeks to encourage technology firms to become more committed to the Nigerian market by establishing local offices and expanding their engagement with the country.
According to the sponsor, “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.”
