NBA, NIRA oppose bill mandating social media offices in Nigeria
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and other groups warned a Senate bill that would force social media platforms and bloggers to open physical offices in Nigeria could push some services out of the country. Speaking at a public hearing by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, NBA president‑elect Oyinkansola Badejo‑Okusanya, represented by Mercy Agada, urged lawmakers to replace the office requirement with a local representative rule and to extend the 30‑day compliance period to at least 180 days. NIRA’s chief operating officer, Seyi Onasanya, said platforms should also be required to host data in Nigeria to ensure accountability. Supporters, including Obinna Nwanfo of the Practitioners of Content Creating, Influencers and Skit Makers Guild, argued the measure would create jobs, boost tax revenue and help creators resolve complaints like lost accounts or restricted access. Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the bill’s sponsor, said the proposal mirrors practices in the UK, Ireland, Singapore, India, UAE, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Japan, where tech firms maintain regional hubs that drive employment and technology transfer. The bill passed second reading in March 2025 and awaits further committee review.