Ned Nwoko Pushes Data Protection Act Amendment, Demands Physical Offices for Global Tech Firms
Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has defended the proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, saying the legislation is designed to protect Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, strengthen national security, improve tax compliance and ensure that global technology companies make meaningful investments in the country.
Speaking at the public hearing on the Bill to alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (SB. 648), organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Nwoko said Nigeria could no longer afford to remain a major digital market without corresponding economic benefits from multinational technology companies operating within its cyberspace.
According to him, Nigeria, as Africa’s largest digital population, generates enormous value for global social media platforms through millions of daily users, businesses and advertisers, yet many of the companies continue to operate without maintaining a physical presence in the country.
“We are not considering an ordinary Bill. We are considering the future of Nigeria’s digital sovereignty, economic interests, national security and the rights of over two hundred million Nigerians who interact daily with some of the world’s largest technology companies,” he said.
The senator argued that countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, India, Singapore, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Japan have successfully attracted investments from technology giants such as Meta and Google by encouraging them to establish regional headquarters, engineering centres and operational offices.
He noted that such investments have generated employment, expanded tax revenues, enhanced regulatory engagement, encouraged innovation and facilitated technology transfer.
Questioning why Nigeria should continue to be left behind despite having one of the world’s largest digital markets, Nwoko insisted that the proposed legislation was not intended to discourage investment but to deepen the engagement of global technology companies with Nigeria.
The Bill, he explained, seeks to require social media platforms, data controllers and data processors carrying on business in Nigeria’s digital space to establish and maintain functional physical offices within the country.
He said local offices would strengthen national security by providing security agencies with direct institutional channels for engaging technology companies whenever their platforms are used to facilitate criminal activities.
Nwoko cited recent incidents in which kidnappers allegedly used TikTok Live to communicate publicly and cases where suspected armed bandits reportedly livestreamed activities linked to ransom payments, arguing that quicker cooperation with platform operators had become a national security necessity.
He added that the amendment would also strengthen the protection of Nigerians’ personal data by ensuring companies collecting and processing users’ information maintain a local presence through which they can be held accountable under Nigerian law.
According to him, the legislation would improve regulatory compliance and consumer protection by making local representatives available to respond promptly to lawful requests, investigations, consumer complaints and regulatory obligations.
The senator further argued that requiring physical offices would enhance tax administration by improving transparency and ensuring Nigeria receives a fair share of the economic value generated from advertising, subscriptions and other commercial activities involving Nigerian users.
He said the Bill would equally create employment opportunities, noting that companies such as MTN Nigeria and MultiChoice Nigeria have demonstrated the economic value of maintaining physical operations through job creation, infrastructure investment, local procurement and payment of taxes.
Nwoko also stressed that local operations by multinational technology firms would promote technology transfer by creating opportunities for collaboration with Nigerian professionals, startups and educational institutions.
Describing the Bill as one that advances Nigeria’s national interest, the senator urged stakeholders participating in the public hearing to contribute constructively to the legislative process.
“Our collective objective is not merely to pass a law but to enact legislation that will stand the test of time and advance Nigeria’s national interest,” he said.
He commended the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security for convening the public hearing and expressed confidence that the proposed amendment would help build a safer, stronger and more prosperous digital economy for Nigeria.
