Nigeria Moves Forward with Digital Rights Legislation
Key stakeholders gathered in Lagos for a crucial two-day legislative retreat focused on advancing Nigeria's Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB), with special emphasis on protecting minors and balancing national security concerns with fundamental human rights. The event, held at Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja, brought together legislators, civil society organizations, and international partners to shape Nigeria's digital future.
Protecting the Vulnerable in Digital Spaces
The protection of children online emerged as a top priority during discussions about the proposed legislation. Participants highlighted the urgent need for regulations that would ensure age verification for certain online services and implement time limits for children's online activities. This focus aims to shield minors from harmful content and prevent excessive social media use that could negatively impact their development.
Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding children in digital environments. He pointed to the significant risks associated with uncontrolled access to technology and the potential harm it poses to young Nigerians.
Bridging Analog and Digital Rights Protection
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of ASF France in Nigeria, explained that the retreat aimed to strengthen digital rights laws to ensure they remain forward-looking and rights-respecting. "The idea is to ensure that as technology evolves, human rights protection for Nigerians and all users of technology also evolves to cater to emerging technologies," she stated.
The event was organized by Avocats Sans Frontières France in collaboration with Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD). Under the theme "Strengthening Nigeria's Digital Future through Rights-Based Legislation," participants explored comprehensive approaches to reintroducing and strengthening the DRFB.
Comprehensive Legislative Framework
The proposed bill, which has already passed its first reading in the National Assembly, addresses multiple critical areas including:
- Freedom of expression and access to information
- Personality rights and anonymity
- Data protection and privacy
- Cybersecurity measures
- Online safety protocols
- Artificial intelligence governance
Jessica Odudu, representing the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands—one of the event's funders—highlighted the significance of this legislative moment. "Protecting digital rights is essential to enhancing democratic values and public trust," she noted, adding that "the economy cannot thrive without respected rights."
The retreat also addressed gaps in existing legislation such as the Cybercrimes Act and the Data Protection Act, while incorporating emerging regulations concerning artificial intelligence and online harms.
Balancing Security and Freedom
Stanley Adedeji from the House of Representatives emphasized the need to strike a careful balance between digital rights and national security, particularly when addressing human rights violations involving artificial intelligence and blockchain technology. His committee aims to tackle data protection issues and ensure responsible use of technological tools through appropriate legislative measures.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, stressed the bill's importance for Nigeria's digital economy, highlighting that trust and respect for citizens' rights serve as core pillars of sustainable economic growth.
The outcomes from this intensive retreat will form the foundation for renewed advocacy efforts, legislative drafting, and parliamentary strategy aimed at successfully reintroducing and advancing the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill alongside other digital governance instruments.
