Peter Jatau, Abuja, 12 Martch, 2025 – The Senate on [Date] considered two key legislative measures sponsored by Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North), aimed at restoring the Aniocha North II State Constituency in Delta State and tightening data protection regulations for social media platforms operating in Nigeria.
Restoration of Aniocha North II Constituency
Senator Nwoko presented a motion titled “Motion for the Restoration of Aniocha North II State Constituency Pursuant to Supreme Court Judgment.” He recounted how residents of Idumuje-Unor, Idumuje-Ugboko, Nkwu-Nzu, Ugboba, Idumuogo, Ugbodu, Ubulubu, Anioma, and Ogodo towns had initiated a court case seeking the restoration of Aniocha North II. Though the Federal High Court in Asaba initially dismissed their summons, the Court of Appeal in Benin reversed that decision in 2017, ordering the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct elections in the constituency.
The Supreme Court, in a November 2019 ruling, upheld the Court of Appeal’s judgment, making it final and binding. Senator Nwoko explained that INEC, after meeting with stakeholders in November 2020, submitted a report to the National Assembly to facilitate the legal steps needed for the restoration. However, progress has stalled.
Key Points of the Motion
- Expedited Approval: The Senate is urged to expedite the approval of INEC’s proposal to restore Aniocha North II.
- Committee Engagement: The Senate Committees on INEC and Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters would liaise with INEC and relevant agencies to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court judgment.
- Transmission Deadline: The Clerk of the National Assembly is mandated to inform INEC of the Assembly’s decision, paving the way for elections within 90 days.
Proponents of the motion stressed that continued delay denies the affected communities adequate representation and weakens the rule of law. Observers note that swift action would finally give residents of Aniocha North II a voice in the Delta State House of Assembly.
Amendment to Nigeria Data Protection Act
In a related development, Senator Nwoko also introduced a bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.” If passed, the legislation would require social media platforms, as well as data controllers and processors, to maintain physical offices within Nigeria’s territorial boundaries.
The proposed amendment adds a new article to Section 5 of the Principal Act, stating that platforms failing to establish an office for more than 30 days risk a ban on operations in Nigeria. The bill also clarifies definitions for “Data Controllers,” “Data Processors,” “Operators of Social Media Platforms,” and “Physical Office.”
Purpose of the Amendment
- Enhanced Accountability: Platforms would be directly reachable for dispute resolution and compliance checks.
- Stronger Data Protection: The requirement aims to ensure user data is handled in accordance with Nigerian regulations.
- Local Engagement: Lawmakers argue it would foster job creation and boost consumer confidence in digital services.
Some senators and digital rights advocates, however, raised concerns that enforcing physical offices could pose challenges for smaller startups and emerging platforms. Proponents insist it will improve transparency and security in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Next Steps
Both the motion on Aniocha North II and the data protection amendment have been referred to the relevant Senate committees for further review. Political analysts predict that if the National Assembly acts swiftly, the restoration of Aniocha North II could take effect within the next legislative session, and social media platforms may soon face new compliance requirements on local presence in Nigeria.
