Federal Government Mulls New Social Media Regulations

The federal government is contemplating the introduction of fresh regulations for social media platforms in Nigeria, as revealed by President Bola Tinubu during a book presentation event in Lagos on Thursday, February 8. The event showcased “Nigerian Public Discourse: The Interplay of Empirical Evidence and Hyperbole,” authored by the former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola.

Represented by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Tinubu emphasized the necessity for a review of existing regulations to enhance their effectiveness. Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, highlighted the challenges faced by the 9th Assembly in attempting to introduce new regulations on social media, citing opposition from civil organizations.

In light of the proliferation of misinformation on social media platforms, Gbajabiamila underscored the government’s responsibility to prevent the dissemination of false information. He questioned the accountability of both the creators and consumers of fake news, stressing the importance of basing public discourse on factual and empirical data.

Reflecting on past efforts to regulate the social media sector, Gbajabiamila expressed hope that the 10th Assembly would resume discussions on the proposed regulations and ensure their implementation. He urged lawmakers to prioritize the bill and address the challenges posed by misinformation in the digital age.

Further updates on this development will be provided soon.