The Senate, led by President Godswill Akpabio, is bracing for criticism after the Social Media Bill passed its second reading on Tuesday. Akpabio clarified that the bill aims to regulate digital businesses, not suppress free speech.
He acknowledged the evolving nature of business operations and emphasized that the bill’s details would be refined during a public hearing, where stakeholders could provide input. Akpabio assured that the bill primarily focuses on tax compliance and business registration, highlighting tax exemptions for businesses earning below ₦50 million and individuals making under ₦1 million annually.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North), the bill seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, by mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices within Nigeria. Nwoko argued that multinational tech companies engage with Nigeria without a local presence, affecting regulatory enforcement, employment opportunities, and user protection.
Akpabio’s concerns stem from past experiences, as a similar 2019 bill, aimed at criminalizing false information on social media, faced massive public opposition and was ultimately rejected. Critics fear that the new bill could enable government control over online discourse, targeting journalists, bloggers, and influencers.
Senator Eze Kenneth Emeka supported the bill, citing the departure of major tech firms like Google and Microsoft as evidence of Nigeria’s failure to harness the digital economy. He argued that regulation would ensure tax compliance and financial benefits.
Nwoko emphasized Nigeria’s high digital engagement, with citizens spending an average of 3 hours and 46 minutes daily on social media. He noted that while platforms like Facebook, Twitter (X), Instagram, and TikTok thrive in Nigeria, they lack local offices, complicating content moderation, regulatory enforcement, and dispute resolution.
The bill also proposes that Nigerian bloggers establish verifiable offices in any state capital, maintain structured operations, and register with a national association in Abuja. Nwoko believes these measures will enhance accountability and curb misinformation.
Despite assurances from its sponsors, the bill continues to face opposition, with concerns that it could stifle free speech, discourage digital innovation, and expand government oversight of online activities.
