The Senate has fixed July 22, 2026, for a public hearing on a bill sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko seeking to compel major social media platforms operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country.
The proposed legislation, titled Senate Bill 648 (SB. 648), seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, by requiring global social media companies with significant operations and users in Nigeria to maintain a corporate presence within the country.
Announcing the development, Senator Nwoko described the public hearing as an important stage in the legislative process and an opportunity for stakeholders, industry experts, civil society organisations, technology companies, legal practitioners and members of the public to contribute to building a more responsive digital ecosystem.
The Delta North lawmaker said Nigeria has emerged as one of the world’s largest and most active digital markets, with millions of citizens relying on social media platforms for communication, business, education, innovation, civic engagement and entertainment.
According to him, despite the enormous value generated by Nigerian users and businesses for global technology firms, the absence of physical offices in the country has continued to pose challenges for users, regulators and businesses.
Nwoko clarified that the bill is not designed to restrict freedom of expression, regulate opinions or interfere with the operations of digital platforms.
Rather, he said, it seeks to ensure that companies deriving substantial economic benefits from Nigeria maintain a reasonable level of corporate responsibility and engagement within the country.
He noted that the establishment of physical offices would facilitate quicker resolution of user complaints, improve collaboration with regulatory authorities, strengthen compliance with Nigeria’s data protection laws and enhance consumer protection.
The senator also highlighted the potential economic benefits of the legislation, stating that local offices would attract investment, create employment opportunities for Nigerian professionals, encourage technology transfer and strengthen the country’s growing digital economy.
“As Africa’s largest economy and one of the world’s leading digital communities, Nigeria deserves to be treated as a strategic market worthy of direct engagement,” he said.
Nwoko argued that several multinational technology companies already maintain offices in countries where they have significant operations and that Nigeria’s market size, talent pool and strategic importance justify a stronger corporate presence from global digital platforms.
He called on stakeholders to actively participate in the public hearing, expressing confidence that the consultation process would produce a balanced legal framework that protects users, promotes innovation, encourages investment and strengthens Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy.
Senator Nwoko represents Delta North Senatorial District and currently serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation.
