The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) and several other organisations have expressed concerns over a bill seeking to compel social media platforms and bloggers operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices with verifiable addresses in the country.
The organisations voiced their concerns during a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security on Thursday.
The bill, sponsored by Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), passed second reading in the Senate in March 2025 before being referred to the committee for a public hearing.
While some stakeholders said that requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices in Nigeria could lead to the withdrawal or shutdown of some platforms, others supported the proposal, saying it would create employment opportunities, promote technology transfer and strengthen corporate social responsibility.
Those opposed to the bill also said that the 30-day compliance period prescribed in the proposed legislation is too short and should be extended.
