Sen. Ned Nwoko (APC-Delta), says his Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023) amendment Bill is meant to protect Nigerians from illegal access to their data, fake news, defamation and online bullying.
Nwoko, who represents Delta North Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday.
He said the bill did not seek to restrict Nigerians’ access to data or social media space as being speculated in some quarters.
He said for too long the country had allowed big tech companies, social media giants and digital platforms to operate freely without accountability.
“They make billions of dollars from our people yet they do not pay the right taxes, they do not create enough jobs for our youths, and when we have issues, we don’t even know where to find them.
“The bill will mandate social media platforms and online businesses to establish physical offices in Nigeria. It is time the nation took control of its digital space.
“It is not against businesses, but for the good of Nigerians. Other countries are doing it. Why not Nigeria?
“Some countries have gone as far as shutting them down until they comply. So, what is stopping us from making them respect our laws? he queried.
According to him, the bill stipulates that if you want to do business in Nigeria, you must register in Nigeria, pay taxes in Nigeria and create jobs for Nigerians.
“It is time to take control of our digital space. This bill is not against businesses — it is for the good of the Nigerian people. Anyone who says otherwise is not being honest,” Nwoko told NAN.
The lawmaker who is the Senate Committee Chairman on Reparations and Repatriation added that if the bill became law, it would ensure repatriation through taxation.
“Every year Nigeria loses at least $10 billion in taxes from these companies because they refuse to set up offices here. In the last 10 years alone, we have lost more than $50 billion. This cannot continue.
“If these companies want to operate in Nigeria, they must pay their fair share of taxes like every other business.
Nwoko further said this would ensure technology transfer and compliance with Nigerian standards
“They will also bring knowledge and expertise to our people. That is how countries grow; by learning and improving on global best practices. It would also ensure accountability and legal redress.
Nwoko, who is also a member of the Senate Committee on Communication, further said that the bill would help regulate bloggers and digital content creators.
“Some of them think I am fighting them. No, I am not fighting anyone. But we must do things properly,” he said.
“Bloggers should belong to a recognised media union. Lawyers have the NBA; doctors have the NMA; journalists have the NUJ. So why should bloggers operate without any standards?
“If there is a complaint against a blogger, there must be a professional body to hold them accountable.
“Bloggers are making money too and should pay taxes if they earn enough in line with the new tax laws of President Bola Tinubu.
“When bloggers are registered with CAC and belong to a known union, they can easily access loan facilities to expand their businesses,” Nwoko told NAN.
