SERAP Asks NASS to Withdraw the Bill Mandating Social Media Platforms to Establish Physical Offices

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a non-governmental organization, has written to the National Assembly of Nigeria (NASS) requesting that it withdraws a bill mandating social media platforms to establish physical offices in the country. The bill, sponsored by Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko, passed its second reading in March 2025 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for further legislative work and public hearing. SERAP's move is likely a response to concerns over the potential impact of this legislation on freedom of expression and access to information.

The recent development in Nigeria, where the National Assembly has been considering a bill that would require social media platforms to establish physical offices in the country, has sparked significant interest among legal professionals. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has now intervened in this matter by requesting that the National Assembly withdraws the bill. This article will examine the background of this legislation, its potential implications for freedom of expression and access to information, and what this development may mean for practitioners.

The bill in question was sponsored by Delta North Senator Ned Nwoko and passed its second reading in March 2025. It has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for further legislative work and a public hearing. The move to require social media platforms to establish physical offices is likely aimed at increasing government oversight and control over online content, but it raises significant concerns about the potential impact on freedom of expression and access to information.

The request by SERAP for the National Assembly to withdraw the bill highlights the need for careful consideration of the implications of this legislation. While the intention behind requiring social media platforms to establish physical offices may be to increase government oversight, it is essential to balance this with the need to protect freedom of expression and access to information. The potential impact on these fundamental rights should be a primary concern for lawmakers as they consider this bill.

The outcome of this matter has not yet been reported, but SERAP's intervention highlights the importance of careful consideration of legislation that may impact fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and access to information. Practitioners should continue to monitor developments in this area and be prepared to provide guidance on the implications of any changes to the law.