SERAP URGES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO WITHDRAW DATA PROTECTION AMENDMENT BILL

ABUJA, Nigeria — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the National Assembly to withdraw a bill amending the Nigeria Data Protection Act, warning the proposal could expand government powers to regulate social media, multiple Nigerian outlets reported on Sunday and Monday.

According to Punch Newspapers, which published its report on July 20, SERAP faulted the amendment and cautioned that it risked enabling a social media crackdown. The ICIR and Leadership reported on July 19 that the group pressed lawmakers to pull the bill, with Leadership adding that SERAP vowed to sue if the legislature proceeded.

SERAP argued the amendment would empower the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to oversee social media platforms, a step it said could lead to unlawful shutdowns, according to The Sun and PM News. The National Assembly has not issued a public response, the reports said.

The dispute comes as the National Assembly closes its 2026 Open Week and weighs several digital-regulation proposals. Civil-society groups across Africa have similarly challenged laws they say widen state control of online speech.