The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to immediately withdraw a controversial bill that would impose stringent restrictions on bloggers and social media platforms operating in Nigeria.
In a letter dated April 12, 2025, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organization urged the National Assembly leadership to halt the progression of a bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. The proposed amendment mandates that social media platforms and bloggers must establish physical offices within Nigeria or face severe penalties.
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,” has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate. If enacted, it would require bloggers to register local offices and join officially recognized national blogging associations. SERAP warns that the bill represents a “repressive” attempt to curb free expression and could lead to increased censorship in the country.
According to SERAP, the bill poses a significant threat to digital rights and freedoms, violating Nigeria’s constitutional obligations and international human rights agreements. The organization expressed concern that if passed, it could be used to ban major global social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp, along with independent bloggers who fail to establish a physical presence in Nigeria within 30 days.
The group stressed that such measures could be exploited by authorities to silence dissenting voices, undermine the right to freedom of expression, and threaten press freedom. “Regulating bloggers and forcing them to associate would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the letter warned, emphasizing that lawmakers should not dictate the flow of information in public and political discourse.
SERAP also raised concerns about the broader legal implications of the bill, particularly its potential to obstruct access to social media platforms, restrict information, and suppress critical discussions, especially those aimed at the government. The bill could be used as a tool to force bloggers to disclose confidential sources, violating the fundamental tenet of press freedom.
Furthermore, the bill may negatively impact the digital economy, particularly businesses reliant on foreign platforms, services, and tools. SERAP warned that the bill could cause international tech companies to withdraw from Nigeria, stifling digital innovation and business operations. The regulation fails to recognize the global nature of the internet and the right to freedom of expression across borders.
SERAP made it clear that if the National Assembly proceeds with the bill and President Bola Tinubu signs it into law, the organization will pursue legal action to challenge its legitimacy in court. “Should the National Assembly fail to withdraw the bill, SERAP will take the necessary legal steps to ensure it is never implemented,” the group stated.
In conclusion, SERAP urged the National Assembly to uphold Nigeria’s commitment to protecting human rights and maintaining an open, democratic society where individuals and organizations can freely express their opinions. The group cited international declarations on freedom of expression, emphasizing that no one should be required to register with a public body to operate an online platform or blog.
As the bill awaits further legislative action, the call for its withdrawal continues to gather momentum from civil society organizations and concerned citizens alike.
