The proposed Nigeria Social Media Bill could force Facebook, TikTok, X and other platforms to open offices or risk being blocked. Here’s what the bill says and why SERAP is threatening legal action.

The proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 has triggered fresh debate over social media regulation in Nigeria. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, would require social media companies, data controllers and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country. It would also empower the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to prohibit the operations of companies that fail to comply within 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to reject and withdraw the bill. The organisation also said it would challenge the legislation in court if it becomes law in its current or substantially similar form.

NettechNG reports that the original statement was published by SERAP on 19 July 2026.

Nigeria Data Protection Amendment Bill Seeks New Rules For Social Media Companies

According to SERAP, the proposed amendment would require social media platforms operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices before continuing their operations in the country. In addition, the bill would authorise the NDPC to prohibit the operations of entities that fail to meet the requirement within 30 days.

Furthermore, the organisation said the proposal follows previous attempts by the National Assembly to regulate social media in Nigeria. It also said the current bill revives substantially similar proposals previously introduced by Senator Ned Nwoko.

SERAP said mandatory local office requirements would increase government leverage over technology companies. It also argued that the proposal would increase compliance costs for startups, AI developers, research organisations, educational institutions and smaller technology companies.

SERAP Threatens Legal Action Over Proposed Social Media Bill

In a letter dated 18 July 2026 and signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged Akpabio and Abbas to withdraw the proposed legislation. It described the bill as a backdoor attempt to regulate social media through corporate localisation requirements.

The organisation also said the proposed amendment would allow the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to prohibit digital platforms from operating in Nigeria without prior judicial authorisation. It further argued that the bill does not require regulators to consider less restrictive alternatives before imposing sanctions.

According to SERAP, the proposal could affect people who use digital platforms for communication, business, education, political participation and access to information. It also cited constitutional protections for freedom of expression, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

SERAP further referred to the ECOWAS Court of Justice judgment on Nigeria’s 2021 Twitter suspension. It said the proposed amendment could create a statutory mechanism capable of excluding digital platforms from operating in Nigeria.

The organisation said it would promptly take legal action in the public interest if the bill is enacted in its current or substantially similar form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026?

The proposed bill would require social media companies, data controllers and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country. It would also give the Nigeria Data Protection Commission powers to prohibit the operations of entities that fail to comply within 30 days.

Will Facebook, TikTok And X Be Banned In Nigeria?

The bill does not name Facebook, TikTok, X or other platforms for a ban. However, it would empower the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to prohibit the operations of companies that fail to comply with its requirements.

Who Sponsored The Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill?

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District, sponsored the proposed amendment.

Why Is SERAP Opposing The Bill?

SERAP said the proposal would expand government control over online expression through localisation requirements. It also said the bill is incompatible with constitutional protections and international human rights obligations.

What Happens If The Bill Becomes Law?

SERAP said it will file legal action if the Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2026 is enacted in its current or substantially similar form.