The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to withdraw a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, describing the bill as repressive and a threat to freedom of expression.
The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters,” seeks to introduce regulatory requirements for bloggers and online platforms operating in Nigeria.
In a letter dated April 12, 2025, signed by SERAP Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the group said the bill would allow the government to ban or block major platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok if they fail to establish physical offices in Nigeria within 30 days.
The bill has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate.
It proposes that bloggers register with a recognised national association and maintain a physical presence in the country.
SERAP argues this would be used to stifle dissent and punish online critics of the government.
According to the organisation, the bill represents an attempt to revive the previously rejected social media bill and impose restrictions on internet use.
It warned that the legislation violates constitutional rights and international human rights standards.
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“Blogging plays a vital role in the free exchange of ideas. Requiring registration and physical offices is unnecessary and incompatible with democratic freedoms,” SERAP said.
The group also raised concerns that the bill could compel bloggers to disclose their sources, undermining journalistic protection and discouraging whistleblowers from coming forward.
SERAP stated that if the National Assembly fails to withdraw the bill and it is signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, the organisation will pursue legal action to challenge its constitutionality.
The bill remains under consideration as debates continue over its potential impact on press freedom, digital rights, and civic space in Nigeria.