SERAP Raises Alarm: “Amendment To Data Protection Act Will Weaken Citizens’ Rights

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to immediately withdraw a controversial bill that seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to SERAP, the proposed amendment, which includes new regulations for bloggers operating within Nigeria, poses a serious threat to freedom of expression and press freedom.

The bill—formally titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigeria 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”—has already passed both its first and second readings in the Senate.

It proposes that bloggers must open physical offices in Nigeria and join a recognized national association, which SERAP believes is an indirect attempt to resurrect the widely criticized Social Media Bill through the back door.

In a letter dated April 12, 2025, signed by Deputy Director Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP described the bill as an unconstitutional move that would limit digital freedoms and silence online dissent.

The organization urged the National Assembly to ensure that any amendment to the Data Protection Act upholds the rights of bloggers, journalists, and digital content creators, rather than imposing unwarranted constraints.

“The bill aims to impose control over bloggers in a manner that threatens their independence and freedom,” SERAP said. “We strongly advise its immediate withdrawal.”

The group warned that if passed, the bill could lead to the banning of major platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, YouTube, TikTok, and even independent bloggers, should they fail to register and maintain a local office within 30 days.

SERAP’s statement continued:
“Lawmakers must not act as truth arbiters in public discourse. Forcing bloggers to register and affiliate will stifle free speech and result in censorship.”

They also warned the bill could be used to block Nigerians’ access to social media, which would amount to a blatant violation of fundamental human rights.

Beyond digital rights, SERAP noted that such legislation would hurt businesses, many of which rely on foreign technologies and online services. The group argued that compelling international tech firms to set up offices in Nigeria could force them out of the country’s digital space.

“The bill infringes on the global nature of digital communication,” the statement added, “and contradicts the principle that freedom of expression applies regardless of frontiers.”

SERAP concluded by stating that if the National Assembly fails to withdraw the bill, and it is eventually signed into law by President Bola Tinubu, the organization will pursue legal action to challenge its constitutionality and ensure it is never enforced.

They warned that the regulation could be used to target dissent, suppress critical voices, and punish peaceful expressions of opinion—particularly those critical of the ruling party.

Ultimately, SERAP declared that the amendment violates both the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) and international human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a signatory, and would especially harm unregistered bloggers operating within the country.