The Senate has advanced legislative efforts to require global social media companies operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country.

The move followed a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Cyber Security in Abuja, where stakeholders expressed broad support for the proposed legislation.

The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to compel social media companies operating in Nigeria to maintain physical offices within the country's territorial boundaries.

Speaking at the hearing, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Salisu, said the proposed legislation is aimed at strengthening Nigeria's digital economy, improving the regulation and protection of the country's cyberspace, and promoting technological advancement.