Proposed social media bill threatens digital rights, innovation — CITAD
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has called on Nigeria’s National Assembly to halt a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, warning that mandating physical offices for all social media platforms and digital processors threatens Nigeria’s digital economy, innovation, and fundamental rights.
The proposed legislation, sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, seeks to compel all data controllers, data processors, and operators of social media platforms to establish and maintain a physical presence within Nigeria. Under the bill’s provisions, any entity that fails to comply continuously for 30 days faces a complete operational ban within the country.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing, CITAD’s Digital Rights Lead, Ali Sabo, expressed serious concern over the bill, stating that while regulatory oversight and data protection are vital, a blanket physical-presence requirement is disproportionate and counterproductive.
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“CITAD is concerned that the proposed amendment could inadvertently reinforce the dominance of large technology companies while creating an uneven digital environment in which only the biggest corporations can afford to comply with the requirement,” Sabo said.
Some of the concerns raised by CITAD include the fear of stifling local innovation. Smaller tech startups, open-source developers, and non-profit organisations lack the financial capacity to set up brick-and-mortar offices, giving global tech monopolies an unfair edge.
CITAD believes the bill treats all digital entities equally, regardless of their size, risk profile, or volume of data processed, rather than using a targeted, risk-based framework.
It said over-regulation could prompt international platforms to withdraw or restrict services in Nigeria, cutting off small businesses, content creators, and civil society groups from crucial global tools.
Existing framework is sufficient
CITAD emphasized that the existing Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) 2023 already provides robust mechanisms for safeguarding citizen privacy. Rather than creating new physical hurdles, the advocacy group urged lawmakers to focus on strengthening the implementation capacity of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC).
According to CITAD, consumer complaints, legal enforcement, and regulatory checks in the modern digital era do not require a physical office building and can be handled effectively through designated local representatives and digital channels.
“In the digital age, regulatory engagement, legal notices, consumer complaints, and enforcement actions can be facilitated through effective digital channels and clearly designated local representatives without necessarily requiring every covered entity to establish a permanent physical office,” Sabo added.
To protect citizen data while preserving Nigeria’s position as an emerging tech hub, CITAD urged Senator Nwoko and the National Assembly to substitute the physical office rule with flexible alternatives.
For instance, it suggests substituting blanket physical presence for all platforms with designation of authorized local representatives for high-risk or large-scale entities.
Rather than 30-day shutdown threats, CITAD suggested risk-based compliance obligations tailored to impact size.
CITAD concluded by urging the Senate and House of Representatives to hold open, inclusive stakeholder consultations with civil society, technology founders, data privacy experts, and consumer rights advocates before proceeding with the bill.
