A new bill requiring social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country has passed its first reading in the Senate.
The proposed legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, LFN, 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,” aims to enhance compliance with global data protection standards and improve Nigeria’s economic and security environment.
Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), the sponsor of the bill, explained that the amendment was designed to promote the swift resolution of complaints and foster confidence among stakeholders. He spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, highlighting the need for the bill to address increasing concerns over data protection and the role of digital platforms in Nigeria’s legal framework.
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According to Nwoko, the bill proposes an amendment to Section 5 of the NDPC Act 2023 to require data controllers, data processors, and operators of social media platforms to establish and maintain physical offices within Nigeria. The bill stipulates that failure to comply within 30 days would result in the entity being prohibited from conducting operations within Nigeria.
Additionally, Nwoko proposed alterations to Section 65 of the Principal Act to clarify key terms such as Data Controllers—entities responsible for determining the purposes and means of processing personal data—and Data Processors, which refers to entities that process data on behalf of data controllers. He also defined Physical Offices as operational business locations within Nigeria, staffed to engage with regulators, stakeholders, and the public.
The bill aims to ensure that social media platforms and data entities operating in Nigeria comply with local laws and enhance their accountability to Nigerian regulators and users.
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