Key stakeholders in Nigeria's digital landscape have intensified discussions around the crucial need to protect minors and balance national security with human rights in the ongoing Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB).
Legislative Retreat Focuses on Digital Future
A significant two-day legislative retreat took place in Lagos, bringing together experts and lawmakers to deliberate on Nigeria's digital future. The event, organized by Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), occurred under the theme 'Strengthening Nigeria's Digital Future through Rights-Based Legislation.'
Participants examined the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, which has already passed its first reading in the National Assembly. The comprehensive legislation addresses multiple aspects of digital interaction, including freedom of expression, access to information, data protection, privacy concerns, cybersecurity measures, online safety protocols, and governance of artificial intelligence technologies.
International Support and Local Expertise
Jessica Odudu, spokesperson for the Embassy of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, emphasized that her country takes pride in supporting this crucial initiative. 'Protecting digital rights remains essential for enhancing democratic values and building public trust,' Odudu stated. She further explained that while significant attention has focused on the digital economy, it cannot achieve sustainable growth without proper respect for fundamental rights.
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, clarified the retreat's primary objective: to strengthen Nigeria's digital rights laws, ensuring they remain forward-looking and rights-respecting. 'As technology continues to evolve, human rights protection for all Nigerians must similarly advance,' she emphasized.
Balancing Rights and Security in Digital Age
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, highlighted the urgent need to transition from analogue to digital governance frameworks. The Ogun Central representative stressed that while human rights are well-established in offline contexts, similar protections must be clearly defined and enforced in digital spaces.
Stanley Adedeji, his counterpart in the House of Representatives, called for careful consideration in balancing digital rights with national security imperatives, particularly when addressing human rights violations involving emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain systems.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, emphasized the bill's critical importance for Nigeria's digital economy. 'Trust and respect for citizens' rights form the core pillars of sustainable economic growth in the digital age,' Sesan asserted.
International perspectives came from European Union representatives Heikkilä Juha, Adviser for International Aspects of AI, and Julian Ringhof, Policy Officer for Global Aspects of Digital Services, who shared global best practices regarding artificial intelligence and digital services regulation.
Dr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo, a lecturer at Leibniz University in Hannover, Germany, stressed the importance of anchoring digital laws on fundamental principles to ensure effective regulation. He advocated for frameworks that encourage compliance from foreign investors without imposing overly restrictive measures.
Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda, provided critical context by noting that while numerous laws currently address online activities, most focus on criminalizing behaviors and establishing punishments rather than protecting rights.
The collective discussions underscored Nigeria's commitment to developing comprehensive digital legislation that protects vulnerable groups, particularly minors, while fostering innovation and economic growth in an increasingly digital world.
