The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the leadership of the National Assembly to immediately withdraw the Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that the proposed legislation could be used to regulate social media and restrict freedom of expression online.
In a statement released on Sunday, the organisation appealed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to reject the bill, arguing that it represents a “backdoor attempt” to expand government control over digital platforms in a manner inconsistent with international human rights standards.
The proposed amendment, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), seeks to require social media companies, data controllers and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country. It also empowers the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to suspend or prohibit the operations of any entity that fails to comply within 30 days.
SERAP argued that compelling technology companies to maintain local offices would increase government influence over online platforms, make it easier to exert political pressure and censorship, and expose local employees to possible retaliation.
According to the rights group, the bill grants broad regulatory powers that could lead to the exclusion or shutdown of social media platforms in Nigeria, with far-reaching consequences for millions of citizens who rely on digital platforms to exercise their constitutional rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
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The organisation also noted that the proposal comes after previous attempts by the National Assembly to regulate social media attracted widespread public criticism and raised significant human rights concerns.
SERAP further observed that the current bill mirrors earlier proposals introduced by Senator Nwoko, contending that the renewed push for localisation requirements could serve as a mechanism for expanding governmental control over online expression.
The group warned that if the legislation is passed in its present form, it would institute legal proceedings to challenge its constitutionality and safeguard the digital rights of Nigerians.
“We’ve urged the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas to immediately reject and withdraw the Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026,” SERAP said, adding that the proposed law threatens constitutionally and internationally protected human rights.