Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) tells Nigeria’s National Assembly leadership to withdraw a proposed law that SERAP says would enable social media shutdowns and expand government control over online expression. In letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas dated July 18, 2026, SERAP argues the Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, is a “backdoor” measure to regulate social media. The group warns it will seek legal action if the bill is passed in its current or substantially similar form.
According to SERAP, the bill—sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko—would require social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country. SERAP also says the bill expands powers for the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to shut down or ban non-compliant entities within 30 days. SERAP contends the localisation and enforcement provisions would increase government leverage, facilitate political pressure and censorship, and raise compliance costs for companies and other institutions.
SERAP further argues the proposal threatens constitutionally protected rights to freedom of expression and access to information and lacks adequate safeguards, including prior judicial approval, while also reviving earlier attempts to regulate social media that faced public opposition.
