Two prominent human rights organizations, the Centre for Information Technology and Development and Avocats Sans Frontières France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, have issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Federal Government against exerting excessive control over the digital space.
According to The PUNCH, the groups argue that such control could hinder the nation’s transformation into a digital economy.
These concerns were expressed during the inaugural meeting and training of the Digital Rights Expert Group, part of the eRIGHTS project in Nigeria, which is implemented by ASF in partnership with CITAD and Spaces for Change, with funding from the European Union.
The Country Director of ASF France Nigeria, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, emphasized the importance of avoiding arbitrary legislation that could breach or restrict human rights in Nigeria.
Instead, she urged the government to collaborate with technology developers and platforms to ensure that regulations align with international standards.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu warned that any attempts to restrict or regulate social media through obnoxious laws and policies would directly impact the freedom of expression for Nigerians.
She further stressed the need for the National Assembly not to pass such bills, as freedom of expression is constitutionally guaranteed and protected by international human rights instruments that Nigeria is a signatory to.
The Executive Director of CITAD,Y.Z Ya’u, echoed these concerns, highlighting the recurring introduction of restrictive bills in the National Assembly aimed at censoring the digital space.
He urged the National Assembly to focus on creating a safe and open digital space for all citizens, especially for women who often fall victim to online harassment.
Ya’u pointed out the paradox that while the government acknowledges the potential of digital technology to transform the economy, it also seeks control over how citizens independently access and use digital means.
To achieve a thriving digital economy, he emphasized the importance of allowing free and safe utilization of the digital space and suggested that the National Assembly prioritize the passage of the digital rights and freedom bill and address ambiguities in the cybercrime act.
