Abuja, October 17, 2023 – Two prominent human rights organizations, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Avocats Sans Frontières France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, have issued a stern warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria regarding its potential control of the digital space. They assert that such control could prove detrimental to the country’s aspirations of becoming a digital economy.
In a joint statement delivered in Abuja during the inaugural meeting and training of the Digital Rights Expert Group under the eRIGHTS project in Nigeria, implemented by Lawyers Without Borders (ASF) in collaboration with CITAD and Spaces for Change, both organizations emphasized the need for the government to avoid enacting arbitrary legislation that could infringe upon or restrict the enjoyment of human rights in Nigeria.
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director of ASF France Nigeria, urged the government to collaborate with technology developers and platforms to establish regulations within these organizations, in accordance with international standards. She cautioned against any attempt to restrict or regulate social media through the introduction of draconian laws and policies, as these measures could directly impact Nigerians’ freedom of expression.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu emphasized that freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed in Nigeria, as well as in various regional and international human rights agreements that Nigeria is a signatory to.
The Executive Director of CITAD, Y.Z Ya’u, highlighted the history of obnoxious bills being introduced in the National Assembly to censor the digital space. He urged the National Assembly not to waste precious time and resources legislating on social media. Instead, he stressed the importance of creating a safe and open digital space for all, which is essential for Nigeria’s digital economy transformation.
Ya’u pointed out the contradiction within the government’s approach, acknowledging the potential of digital technology to boost the economy while simultaneously attempting to control the way citizens access and use digital resources independently of government oversight. He called for the government to recognize that for its ambitious Digital Agenda to succeed, it must allow free and safe utilization of the digital space.
Wynyfred Achu-Egbuson, the Programme Manager of Civil Society, Human Rights, and Youth at the European Union Delegation, expressed the body’s concern and commitment to assisting Nigeria in establishing an enabling environment for the enjoyment of digital rights. She noted that the recent change in government and the appointment of the Minister for Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, present a unique opportunity for civil society to engage with the government in ensuring that Nigeria’s digital space aligns with the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and prevents any infringement on the human rights of Nigerians.