“All Bloggers in Nigeria must have verifiable office address” — Ned Nwoko

Senator Ned Nwoko has introduced a new bill in the Senate aimed at regulating bloggers and online media platforms in Nigeria.

The proposed bloggers bill by Ned Nwoko seeks to enforce transparency and accountability within the digital media space, requiring bloggers to operate like traditional media houses.

The bill comes in the wake of widespread rumors falsely linking Senator Nwoko to a marriage and pregnancy scandal involving Nollywood actress Chika Ike.

The lawmaker had previously dismissed these speculations as baseless and criticized the spread of misinformation by unregulated bloggers.

Key Provisions of the Proposed Bloggers Bill

If passed into law, the bill will mandate that all bloggers and online news platforms:

– Have a verifiable office address to ensure accountability.
– Maintain proper employee records, including registered staff members.
– Belong to a recognized national media body, similar to traditional media outlets such as newspapers and television stations.

Senator Nwoko’s Justification of the Proposed Bloggers Bill

Speaking on the bill, Senator Nwoko emphasized that the rise of unregulated blogging and online journalism has led to the spread of fake news, character assassination, and cyberbullying.

He noted that while traditional media is bound by ethical journalism standards, many digital platforms operate without oversight.

The bill is expected to undergo further legislative scrutiny before being debated and voted on in the Senate.