CITAD, Partners Condemn Proposed Amendment to Data Protection Act Targeting Bloggers, Social Media Platforms
By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) in conjunction with Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), and Spaces for Change (S4C) have strongly condemned a proposed amendment to the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, describing it as a direct threat to freedom of expression and digital rights in the country.
This was contained in a joint press release issued to newsmen today by Engr. Y.Z. Ya’u, Executive Director of CITAD
The Organizations under the European Union-funded e-RIGHTS Project, expressed that the proposed bill, which has already passed its first and second readings in the Senate, seeks to compel social media platforms to set up physical offices within Nigeria and mandates that bloggers register with recognized national associations and maintain local offices.
Titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters,” the legislation has sparked outrage among rights activists, media stakeholders, and online content creators.
The organisations criticized the bill for going beyond its stated goal of data protection. “This amendment threatens constitutionally protected rights, including freedom of expression, privacy, and association,” the statement read.
The partners warned that the legislation could significantly shrink Nigeria’s civic and digital space, particularly affecting independent bloggers, citizen journalists, and digital innovators.
“Regulating data protection is essential, but this bill extends far beyond that. Imposing such bureaucratic and financial burdens on online creators will not only suppress dissent but also undermine digital innovation and limit the diversity of narratives in the digital sphere,” the organisations stated.
The e-RIGHTS project partners called on the National Assembly to suspend further deliberation on the bill and engage in broad-based consultations with civil society groups, media practitioners, and tech stakeholders.
They also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to assent to any version of the bill that undermines democratic freedoms.
Furthermore, the statement challenged the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to make its position on the bill known and ensure it acts in accordance with democratic values and international digital rights standards.
The statement reaffirmed the e-RIGHTS project’s commitment to safeguarding digital freedoms and ensuring the Nigerian online space remains open, inclusive, and secure for all users.
