The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to withdraw the proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that it will file a lawsuit if the legislation is passed in its current form, Peak Newspaper reports.
In a letter dated July 18, 2026, addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, SERAP described the bill as a “backdoor attempt” to regulate social media and expand government control over online expression.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), would require social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in thcountry.e It also empowers the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to suspend or prohibit the operations of companies that fail to comply within 30 days.
SERAP argued that forcing technology companies to maintain local offices could increase government influence over digital platforms, expose local staff to political pressure, and make censorship easier.
The organisation also warned that the proposed law grants excessive powers to regulators without adequate judicial oversight or procedural safeguards.
The rights group maintained that the legislation could undermine constitutionally guaranteed freedoms of expression and access to information. It cited the ECOWAS Court of Justice’s ruling against Nigeria’s suspension of Twitter, warning that the bill could indirectly produce similar restrictions on digital platforms.
SERAP further said the proposed amendment would increase compliance costs for startups, educational institutions, research organisations, artificial intelligence developers, and smaller technology companies, potentially discouraging innovation and investment.
