Abuja: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and Accountability Lab have jointly called for the establishment of a comprehensive framework to address issues related to complaints within the digital ecosystem. This appeal was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organized by NHRC and Accountability Lab in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, Executive Secretary of NHRC, highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated approach to respond to digital rights violations. He questioned whether there exists a sufficiently coordinated framework to address violations occurring within or through the digital ecosystem effectively and accountably. Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the current inadequacies, pointing out that the response to such violations remains fragmented.
He noted that while civil society documents abuses and the press highlights systemic infractions, the collective response often lacks coordination. He identified issues such as ambiguous referral pathways, the absence of standard procedures for preserving digital evidence, and procedural delays in high-stakes cases as significant challenges that need to be addressed.
Dr. Ojukwu reiterated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees fundamental rights such as the dignity of the human person, privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly and association, applicable both online and offline. Under the National Human Rights Commission Act, the NHRC is tasked with investigating rights violations, securing remedies for victims, and collaborating with statutory and non-governmental actors.
He emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional approach involving law enforcement, the judiciary, regulatory authorities, civil society, technology platforms, and telecommunications providers to create an integrated response network. He stressed the importance of ensuring that actions addressing cybercrime and online harms adhere to constitutional safeguards and international human rights obligations.
Dr. Ojukwu also pointed out that with the enactment of the Cybercrimes Amendment Act of 2024, interventions must align with current laws while ensuring that statutory enforcement does not curtail protected speech or access to information. He underscored the importance of maintaining this balance, especially as the 2027 electoral cycle approaches, where the digital ecosystem will play a crucial role in political discourse and voter mobilization.
Mr. Friday Odeh, Country Director for Accountability Lab in Nigeria, noted the rapid digital transformation occurring within Nigeria and emphasized the need for a coordinated response to digital rights violations. He stressed the importance of having a clear framework and coordination among organizations and agencies responsible for addressing these complaints.
Odeh mentioned that platforms like Paradigm Initiative’s RIPOTI are already receiving reports of violations, and the meeting aimed to bring government and relevant agencies together to understand these issues collectively. He emphasized the need for a coordinated response system that would allow organizations to bring cases to the authorities, ensuring that the system works effectively for everyone involved.