The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the National Assembly over a controversial bill seeking to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
SERAP warned that the bill if passed will impose harsh restrictions on bloggers and social media platforms operating within Nigeria.
It also called for the immediate withdrawal of the bill.
In a letter dated April 12, 2025, and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the group urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas to reject what it described as a “repressive” legislative proposal.
The bill, which has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate, mandates that social media platforms and bloggers must establish physical offices in Nigeria or face sanctions.
According to SERAP, the bill—titled A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023—poses a grave threat to digital freedoms. Among other provisions, the bill would require bloggers to register with recognized national blogging associations and maintain local offices within the country.
“The bill is a veiled attempt to reintroduce the widely rejected social media bill,” SERAP stated, adding that it violates Nigeria’s constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression and association.
The organization warned that if enacted, the law could lead to the banning of major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, TikTok, and independent bloggers should they fail to comply within a 30-day window.
SERAP cautioned that the bill, if passed, could become a tool for censorship, curtailing the rights of journalists, civil society actors, and ordinary citizens to express dissenting views or criticize government policies.
“Requiring bloggers to register or join associations is incompatible with democratic principles and would have a chilling effect on freedom of expression,” the group argued.
The group also raised alarm over the potential misuse of the law to force bloggers to disclose their sources, undermining press freedom and endangering journalistic integrity.
“This legislation may serve as a pretext to compel disclosure of sources, which is a direct assault on media independence,” the statement added.
Beyond the human rights concerns, SERAP pointed to significant economic and operational risks. The requirement for international digital companies to open physical offices could lead to a mass exodus from Nigeria’s digital ecosystem, stalling innovation and digital access.
“In a globally interconnected world, such legislation is out of step with modern digital realities. It will not only infringe on digital rights but could also harm businesses and limit Nigerians’ access to vital online tools,” SERAP said.
The organization emphasized that digital communication transcends borders and must not be restricted by arbitrary geographical limitations.
SERAP concluded its letter by warning that it would take legal action should the National Assembly proceed with the bill and President Bola Tinubu sign it into law.
“If this bill is not withdrawn, and it is eventually signed by the President, SERAP will not hesitate to challenge its legality in court to ensure it is never implemented,” the group declared.
Citing international declarations on freedom of expression, SERAP reiterated that no one should be required to obtain permission or register with authorities to operate a blog or online platform.
“The National Assembly must uphold its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens’ rights and not become the arbiter of truth in a democracy,” SERAP concluded.
