Amidst intense scrutiny from critics, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has initiated a fervent campaign advocating the Nigerian government’s intervention in regulating social media. Gbajabiamila, who previously held a prominent position as the Speaker of the House of Representatives before assuming the role of President Bola Tinubu’s Chief of Staff last year, vehemently labels social media as a “societal menace.”
The Federal Government should prioritise addressing urgent issues like poverty, insecurity, and economic hardship in Nigeria, rather than focusing on restricting freedom of expression on social media because the Nigerian constitution guarantees the right to freedom of expression, and it is imperative for all, including the government, to uphold this fundamental right.
When Gbajabiamila served as the Speaker, he proposed a bill to regulate social media. However, this initiative faced strong opposition from civil society groups.
During Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, the Nigerian government enforced a seven-month suspension on X (formerly Twitter) from June 2021 to January 2022, alleging the microblogging platform’s involvement in supporting the #EndSARS protests of October 2020. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimated that Nigeria’s economy suffered a loss of $26.1 billion due to the ban.
The journey towards social media regulation has been marked by both controversy and debate. As far back as 2019, the National Assembly introduced the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, colloquially known as the Anti-Social Media Bill. This legislation aimed to criminalise the spreading false or malicious information via social media platforms. However, it faced significant opposition from stakeholders who believed it would curtail freedom of speech and press.
In June 2021, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued an advertorial in a national newspaper. The directive required online broadcast service providers and social media platforms operating in Nigeria to apply for a broadcast license from NBC. This move was based on the National Broadcasting Act, which grants the NBC the authority to regulate broadcasting services. However, the lack of a clear definition of “broadcasting” in the context of social media platforms led to legal challenges. The Media Rights Agenda Group (MRA) filed a suit questioning NBC’s regulatory authority over social media platforms.
In 2023, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called upon the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, to oppose the newly reintroduced social media regulation bill.
SERAP observed that the approval of the bill would unjustly limit the rights to freedom of expression and privacy. They appealed to Tinubu’s administration to cease its endeavours to coerce technology companies like Google and Meta into curbing these essential human rights.
Social media may have its drawbacks, but it has undeniably brought significant advantages to Nigerians.
Companies have harnessed social media to expand their reach and enhance brand visibility without incurring exorbitant costs. By leveraging platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, businesses can engage with a wider audience and promote their products or services effectively.
Numerous citizens have established and run successful businesses through social media. The platform provides a direct line of communication with clients, allowing entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings, receive feedback, and build lasting relationships.
Social media plays a pivotal role in political mobilization. Political leaders utilise platforms like Twitter and WhatsApp to connect with voters, share campaign updates, and raise funds. It has become a powerful tool for disseminating information and shaping public opinion.
Rather than resorting to an instinctive urge to “regulate” social media, it’s worth noting that social media platforms already offer built-in tools to address objectionable content. Nigeria has taken a significant step by enacting the Cybercrime Act, which can be effectively utilised to combat issues such as harassment, defamation, and inflammatory material on social media.
Rather than stifling the voices of Nigerian citizens on social media, the government should encourage initiatives that combat disinformation through fact-checking. Embracing transparency and open communication would be more effective in fostering a healthy online environment.
