By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
CSOs warn against digital space regulation, emphasize importance of freedom
Human rights organizations, the Centre for Information Technology and Development and Avocats Sans Frontières France, have cautioned the Federal Government against exerting control over the digital realm. They argue that such control could hinder the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.
During the inaugural meeting of the Digital Rights Expert Group, organized by ASF in collaboration with CITAD and Spaces for Change, the organizations emphasized the need for government not to enact arbitrary laws that infringe on human rights.
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the Country Director of ASF France Nigeria, urged the government to collaborate with developers and technology platforms to establish regulation in line with international standards, rather than imposing restrictive measures.
The organizations emphasized that attempts to regulate social media through stringent laws and policies could impede freedom of expression, a fundamental right guaranteed in the Nigerian constitution.
Y.Z Ya’u, the Executive Director of CITAD, criticized the introduction of bills in the National Assembly aimed at censoring the digital space. He urged the government to create a safe and open environment for utilizing digital resources to advance Nigeria’s digital economy.
Wynyfred Achu-Egbuson, Programme Manager of Civil Society, Human Rights and Youth at the European Union Delegation, expressed the EU’s commitment to assisting Nigeria in establishing an enabling environment for the enjoyment of digital rights. She highlighted the recent appointment of the Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, as an opportunity for civil society to engage with the government in safeguarding digital rights in line with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.