FG’s Second Attempt to Regulate Social Media Stirs More Controversy

The Federal Government’s recent move to regulate social media has ignited a storm of controversy as citizens vehemently oppose any measure that could curtail freedom of speech.

On October 3, 2023, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) forwarded a bill to the National Assembly, seeking to amend the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004. This bill, if passed, would grant the NBC authority to regulate social media.

During a meeting at the commission’s headquarters following the bill submission, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of NBC, referred to social media as a “monster” and emphasized the need for legislation to address its challenges. He stated, “One of our major problems now is social media. Unless there is a law that allows NBC to act on social media issues, the issue will continue to be a monster in our daily lives in this country.”

In response, the NBC began discussions with major social media platforms to address user misconduct, leading to significant backlash from Nigerians who argue that the government is exerting undue pressure on these companies to infringe on fundamental human rights.

Critics of the bill claim it is a thinly veiled attempt by the government to restrict freedom of expression and individual privacy. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas to reject the bill, asserting that it would criminalize the legitimate exercise of Nigerian citizens’ human rights. SERAP argued that the bill is inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 and the country’s international human rights obligations, warning of a potential “digital siege.”

This move by the Federal Government is not the first attempt to regulate social media. The previous administration led by former President Muhammadu Buhari also made efforts to control social media, primarily citing concerns over fake news and user activities. However, these attempts were met with strong resistance from the Nigerian populace.

On June 4, 2021, Twitter was suspended in Nigeria, accusing the platform of supporting insurrection during the EndSARS protests. It was only restored on January 12, 2022, following a seven-month suspension.

Public opinion on the current regulation attempt is sharply divided. Some argue that the government aims to stifle criticism, while others acknowledge that certain social media platforms have contributed to moral decay among children and support regulation for that purpose.

Opponents of the bill, including prominent social media influencer Mathias Atule, stress the importance of constructive criticism in a democratic society and question the government’s motives, especially in light of its past use of social media for political campaigns.

Former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria VON, Osita Okechukwu, and a founding member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed optimism that the bill would be rejected. He highlighted the significance of freedom of speech in a democracy and suggested that existing laws could address the misuse of social media.

As the debate rages on, the future of social media regulation in Nigeria remains uncertain, with citizens and advocacy groups determined to safeguard their rights and freedoms.