By Linus Aleke
A consortium of organizations, under the umbrella of “Digital Rights and Information Partnership (DRIP),” has called for the representation of the Digital Right and Freedom Bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage into law.
The group is also pushing for the domestication of the Freedom of Information Act in three pilot states of Adamawa, Edo and Kaduna to enhance the successful implementation of the legislation.
Spokesperson of the group and Senior Associate, Planning, Advocacy, and External Engagement, Gatefied Nigeria, Mr Chukwuma Edozie made this call in Abuja while, addressing a press conference on Digital Rights and Freedom in Nigeria.
He said the DRFB is opposed to legislation that seeks to protect digital rights, including the right to online privacy, freedom of expression, information, the right to peaceful assembly online, and the right to create public knowledge.
According to him, “The DRFB is important because it tackles issues such as censorship, the prohibition of
hate speech and content blocking. It was passed at the National Assembly in 2019 but not signed into law by the President. The President’s assent was declined on the basis that the bill covers technical subjects that other policies seek to address.
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“Nigeria is currently a signatory to the United Nations (UN) resolution, instituted in 2016 which affirms that civil, political, economic, and social rights offline must also be protected online. This means the Nigerian government has officially acknowledged that digital rights are enshrined in human rights. With Nigeria’s 2023 election in view, it is the most opportune time for Nigeria to live up to its commitment of upholding digital rights by safeguarding the right to freedom of expression, association and sharing information online.
“We are calling on the
policymakers to support the representation and passage of the bill. If signed into law, the digital rights and freedom bill will safeguard Nigeria’s digital space against unlawful shutdowns, guarantee freedom of expression and assembly online. This will enhance citizens’ demand for accountability and good governance”.
He further disclosed that Nigeria currently has over 109 million internet users, pegging the country amongst the
top six highest internet users in the world.
The rise of internet usage in Nigeria he said has increased online civic space engagement, advocacy and mobilization.
Mr. Edozie added that it has also increased reliance on digital journalism, democratizing the flow of information
traditionally controlled by newspapers, magazines, radio and television companies.
