Social Media Bill: SERAP Asks NASS to Withdraw Proposal or Face Lawsuit

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that it will challenge the legislation in court if it becomes law.

The group made its position known in a letter dated July 18, 2026, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas over concerns about the bill’s effect on online freedom in Nigeria.

The proposed amendment, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to require social media companies, data controllers and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices within the country. It also gives the Nigeria Data Protection Commission the authority to suspend or stop the operations of companies that fail to meet the requirement within 30 days.

SERAP said the bill could affect rights protected by the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights agreements.

According to the organisation, forcing technology companies to maintain local offices could make it easier for public authorities to put pressure on digital platforms and increase the risk of restrictions on online expression. It also argued that local workers employed by such companies could become vulnerable to official actions.

The organisation said the proposed law closely resembles earlier efforts to regulate social media that faced public opposition. It stated that if the bill is passed in its present form or with similar provisions, it will begin legal proceedings to challenge the law in order to protect the rights of Nigerians.

SERAP also argued that the amendment would give the Nigeria Data Protection Commission wide powers to block digital platforms without enough legal safeguards. It said the bill does not provide adequate judicial oversight, reasonable time for compliance or proper protection for millions of Nigerians who rely on online platforms for communication, education, business and access to information.

The group referred to the judgment of the ECOWAS Court of Justice on Nigeria’s suspension of Twitter, saying the proposed amendment could produce a similar outcome by allowing regulators to prevent social media platforms from operating in the country through indirect means. It warned lawmakers against passing legislation that could restrict rights already protected under regional and international human rights laws.

SERAP further stated that while governments have the authority to regulate digital platforms, such regulation must remain within constitutional limits and respect international obligations. It added that making physical offices compulsory for technology companies would increase operating costs for startups, educational institutions, artificial intelligence developers, research organisations and smaller technology firms.

According to the organisation, the proposal could also conflict with the objectives of the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy by making Nigeria less attractive to technology investment and innovation.

SERAP maintained that no major democratic country requires every social media platform to establish a physical office as a condition for providing services, urging the National Assembly to withdraw the bill.