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Senate to Tiktok, Facebook, Others : Open Offices in Nigeria or Face Penalties

Published

1 month ago

Mar 18, 2025.

Social Media Offices in Nigeria: The Senate has passed a bill requiring major social media platforms like Facebook, X, TikTok, and others to open physical offices in Nigeria for better compliance and accountability.
New Rules for Bloggers: The bill also mandates bloggers to establish offices in state capitals, maintain employee records, and join a recognized national association.
Next Steps: The bill is now with the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, which will present its findings in two months.

The Nigerian Senate has passed a bill for the second time, requiring major social media companies like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and TikTok to open physical offices in Nigeria.

Senator Ned Nwoko (Delta North), who sponsored the bill, said the law aims to ensure these companies follow Nigerian laws and improve accountability.

He argued that despite Nigeria’s large online presence, these companies do not have offices in the country, leading to economic losses and problems with enforcing data protection rules.

Senate

The bill also includes new rules for bloggers. It requires them to open offices in any state capital, keep proper employee records, and join a recognized bloggers’ association based in Abuja.

Nwoko explained that the goal is not to restrict social media but to make sure it operates with the same accountability as traditional media.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio supported the bill but warned that regulating bloggers needs careful review. He emphasized that the bill is not meant to silence social media but to ensure proper taxation and record-keeping.