Nigerian Senate Advances Bill Requiring Social Media Local Offices

The Senate of Nigeria is advancing legislation that would require global social media companies, such as Meta and TikTok, to establish physical offices within Nigeria. Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 to enhance regulatory accountability, national security, and tax compliance.

During a public hearing in Abuja on July 23, 2026, the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security received broad stakeholder support for the proposal. Senator Nwoko argued that as Africa's largest digital market, Nigeria should attract the same employment and technology transfer benefits seen in hubs like Ireland, India, and Brazil. He stated that the measure is not punitive but intends to make technology firms true corporate citizens.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio characterized the measure as forward-looking and intended to promote engagement rather than stifle operations. The committee is currently reviewing stakeholder memoranda before reporting its final findings back to the Senate.