SENATE PUSHES BILL FOR FACEBOOK AND TIKTOK OFFICES IN NIGERIA

The Senate has moved forward with a bill that would require global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country, following widespread support expressed during a public hearing in Abuja.

The Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security also secured broad endorsement for a separate bill seeking to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

Chairman of the committee, SHUAIB SALISU, said the two proposed laws are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy, enhancing cyberspace regulation and advancing education, research and innovation in artificial intelligence.

Representing Senate President GODSWILL AKPABIO, Deputy Senate Leader LOLA ASHIRU said the proposed legislation is intended to promote greater accountability and engagement with Nigeria, rather than hinder the operations of social media companies.

Sponsor of the social media bill, NED NWOKO, maintained that requiring global technology firms to establish offices in Nigeria would not discourage investment, noting that countries with smaller digital markets have successfully attracted similar companies.