SUMMARY OF THE BILL TO AMEND THE NIGERIAN DATA PROTECTION ACT, 2023 (SB 650, 2025)

My people, this bill is long overdue. For too long, we have allowed big tech companies—social media giants, digital platforms—to operate freely in Nigeria without accountability. They make billions of dollars from our people, yet they do not pay the right taxes, they do not create enough jobs for our youths, and when we have issues, we don’t even know where to find them.

That is why I am sponsoring this bill to mandate social media platforms and online businesses to establish physical offices in Nigeria.

Why This Bill is Important

1. Repatriation Through Taxation

Let’s start with the money. Every year, Nigeria is losing at least $10 billion in taxes from these companies because they refuse to set up offices here. In the last 10 years alone, we have lost over $50 billion. This cannot continue.

If these companies want to operate in Nigeria, they must pay their fair share of taxes like every other business. Their employees will also pay personal income tax, adding at least $1 billion in annual revenue to our economy. This money belongs to Nigerians.

2. Employment for Our Youths

We have millions of young, talented Nigerians looking for jobs. These social media companies are employing thousands of people in other countries, yet they ignore our people. If they set up offices here, at least 200,000 Nigerian youths can get direct employment in customer service, tech, content moderation, and other areas.

When businesses thrive, the people thrive. The government thrives. The economy grows. That is what we are talking about.

3. Technology Transfer & Compliance with Nigerian Standards

These companies must respect our laws. When they have offices here, they will comply with Nigerian data protection and cybersecurity laws. They will also bring knowledge and expertise to our people. That is how countries grow—by learning and improving on global best practices.

4. Accountability & Legal Redress

Right now, if someone has an issue with Facebook, Twitter, or any other platform, where do they go? Who do they talk to? They have no office, no local representatives. This is unacceptable.

We need them to register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), so we know where they are. When you have a problem with NTA, Vanguard, or any media house, you know where to find them. But these digital platforms? They hide behind the internet. That is going to stop.

5. Regulation of Bloggers & Digital Content Creators. 

Now, let me talk about bloggers. Some of them think I am fighting them. No, I am not fighting anyone. But we must do things properly.

 • Every blogger must have a registered, verifiable address—not just an email or phone number. If someone needs to reach you, they should know where to go.

 • Bloggers should belong to a recognized media union. Lawyers have the NBA. Doctors have the NMA. Journalists have the NUJ. So why should bloggers operate without any standards? If there is a complaint against a blogger, there must be a professional body to hold them accountable.

 • Bloggers are making money too and should pay taxes if they earn enough in line with the new tax laws of President Tinubu. When bloggers are registered with CAC and belong to a known union, they can easily access loan facilities to expand their businesses.

This is not about restricting anyone—it is about protecting Nigerians from fake news, defamation, and online harassment.

Other Countries Are Doing It—Why Not Nigeria?

France did it. Ireland did it. Even the UK did it. They forced these companies to set up offices, follow the law, and pay their taxes.

Why are we scared to do the same? Are we less of a nation? No!

These companies operate freely in Nigeria, yet they refuse to do the right thing. Some countries have gone as far as shutting them down until they comply. So, what is stopping us from making them respect our laws?

Conclusion

This bill is simple: if you want to do business in Nigeria, you must register in Nigeria, pay taxes in Nigeria, and create jobs for Nigerians.

It is time to take control of our digital space. This bill is not against businesses—it is for the good of the Nigerian people.

Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest.