By Uche Amunike
The Nigeria social media regulation bill has come under fresh criticism from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), which has called on the National Assembly to immediately withdraw the proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
According to the rights organisation, the bill represents an indirect attempt to regulate social media and expand government control over online expression. SERAP warned that if the legislation is passed in its current form, it could threaten Nigerians’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression, access to information and digital communication.
In a letter dated July 18, 2026, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, SERAP argued that the proposed legislation conflicts with both the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.
The letter, signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, urged lawmakers to reject the bill before it becomes law.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the proposed amendment seeks to compel social media platforms, 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 prohibit the operations of organisations that fail to comply within 30 days.
SERAP argued that the localisation requirement would expose technology companies to political pressure and increase government influence over digital platforms.
According to the organisation, requiring social media companies to maintain local offices could make it easier for authorities to demand the removal of online content or pressure companies into complying with censorship requests. It also warned that employees of such companies could become vulnerable to intimidation or retaliation.
The group noted that similar attempts to regulate social media in Nigeria had previously generated widespread public criticism and concerns from human rights advocates. It said the current proposal closely resembles earlier legislative efforts and raises fresh fears about increased government control over online platforms.
SERAP further warned that it would challenge the legislation in court if it is eventually signed into law.
The organisation maintained that while governments have the right to regulate digital services and ensure compliance with national laws, such regulations must respect constitutional protections and internationally recognised human rights standards.
It argued that laws governing digital platforms should promote transparency, accountability and the protection of users rather than create additional tools for censorship, surveillance or political interference.
Beyond concerns over freedom of expression, SERAP also warned that the Nigeria social media regulation bill could negatively affect the country’s growing digital economy.
According to the organisation, compulsory local office requirements would significantly increase operating costs for startups, artificial intelligence developers, educational institutions, research organisations and smaller technology companies. It said the additional financial burden could discourage investment and weaken Nigeria’s reputation as an attractive destination for technology and innovation.
SERAP added that the proposal appears inconsistent with the objectives of the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, both of which were designed to encourage innovation and attract investment into the country’s technology sector.
The organisation also referenced the judgment of the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which ruled that the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter violated citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information.
Although the current proposal differs from the Twitter ban, SERAP argued that it could produce similar outcomes by giving regulators the power to restrict digital platforms from operating in Nigeria.
The rights group further cited international human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, while noting that no major democratic nation requires every social media platform to establish a physical office before operating.
SERAP urged lawmakers to reject the bill, saying doing so would reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to constitutional democracy, the rule of law and a thriving digital economy.
