Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of Kogi Central has raised fresh concerns over the widening earnings disparity affecting Nigerian content creators compared to their peers in other parts of the world.
She underscored the urgency of safeguarding Nigeria’s expanding digital economy and ensuring that young creators who rely heavily on online platforms are not left at a disadvantage.
She made the remarks during deliberations at the second reading of a bill seeking to amend the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA). The amendment aims to strengthen the legal framework that regulates Nigeria’s financial ecosystem and enhance oversight of major institutions considered vital to the nation’s financial stability.
In her contribution, Senator Natasha emphasised the fast-growing relevance of social media as a major source of livelihood for millions of young Nigerians. She expressed worry about what she described as “a huge discrepancy” in how platforms compensate creators in Nigeria compared to those in more developed countries, particularly on Facebook.
The lawmaker noted that “Today, many of our youths have found careers and jobs on social media,” adding that online platforms have evolved into powerful engines of economic opportunity. However, she pointed out that these opportunities are not evenly distributed. She argued that creators in Nigeria routinely face unfair compensation gaps despite producing similar content and operating on the same platforms as their foreign counterparts.
According to her, the current earnings model disadvantages Nigerians. She reiterated that “I’m speaking for the content creators because, trust me, social media has become a very critical source of income for our youths.” She stressed that a promotional video that earns creators in America between $10 and $30 for every 1,000 views brings in just 50 cents for creators in Nigeria.
Senator Natasha warned that such disparities could hinder progress in Nigeria’s digital economy and limit financial inclusion. She stressed the need for policymakers to consider the changing shape of global and local economies as more young people embrace digital platforms to build sustainable careers. She maintained that addressing these gaps would be essential in securing equitable opportunities for Nigeria’s creative workforce.
She appealed for deeper regulatory dialogue between Nigeria and global digital companies, insisting that the country must ensure that its creators and digital entrepreneurs fully benefit from emerging economic systems that shape modern livelihoods.
What you should know
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s intervention sheds light on a growing concern within Nigeria’s digital landscape: the unequal earnings that place Nigerian content creators at a significant disadvantage.
As more young Nigerians rely on social media for income, the disparity in platform payouts raises questions about fairness, global digital policies, and the need for stronger domestic regulation.
Her comments highlight why Nigeria must adapt its financial and regulatory systems to support its expanding digital workforce and ensure creators receive equitable compensation in the global content economy.
