Paradigm Initiative has released a report highlighting the state of digital rights and inclusion in Nigeria, raising serious concerns about the citizens’ data online.
In a media briefing held in Abuja, Nigeria, the organisation called for seriousness from the government in handling the matter, saying there has been a consistent data leak online for three years now, where data is available for sale cheaply.
In his address, the organisation’s Executive Director, ‘Gbenga Sesan said: “The data security problem is serious. Data belonging to the President, Vice President, National Security Adviser, top military officials, ministers and other senior government officials are also available online to anyone who knows their full name and date of birth.”
He pointed out that as much as the country has made advancements in tech, digital rights such privacy, online protection, freedom of expression and access to information, are increasingly under threat in Nigeria, with the threats manifesting as arbitrary internet disruptions, weak enforcement of data protection, surveillance, and inconsistent digital policies, which continue to weaken citizens’ trust and hinder the country’s digital growth and potential.
‘Gbenga expressed gratitude to the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Nigeria, Ford Foundation, Luminate, Wellspring Philanthropic Fund, Mott Foundation, Open Society Foundations (OSF), International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Internet Society Foundation, for supporting the organisation’s cause at a time when non-profit organisations were facing challenges.
He highlighted Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space (STANDS) Project as having been instrumental in delivering immense transformative change, positively influencing Nigeria’s digital rights landscape. The project has combined litigation, advocacy, evidence-building, and capacity strengthening to protect citizens, influence policy, and build durable systems.
One of the major outputs of the STANDS project is the Ikot Ekpene Declaration, a commitment document that provides guidance for judicial officers on integrating digital rights into their rulings and judicial practice. PIN has also trained law enforcement officers on digital security.
On her part Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the organisation’s impact, and how it has transformed the lives of young Africans on the continent, developed reports, digital toolkits and produced award-winning short films. PIN, she added, also provides scholarships for students from Ajegunle, where the organisation started its operations from in Lagos, Nigeria.
Khadijah El-Usman, the Senior Officer Programmes, Anglophone West Africa shared highlights of the 2024 Nigeria Londa Report which evaluates the state of digital rights and inclusion while benchmarking them against the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information.
The Score Index measures the country’s performance against major human rights issues including Internet access and affordability, freedom of expression and protection against arbitrary arrests, data protection and privacy, content moderation, transparency and access to information, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies and inclusion of vulnerable groups including children and persons with disabilities.
“For Nigeria in 2024, this assessment is not just a research exercise. It directly reflects how over 200 million citizens experience their right to connect, speak, to be protected online and to participate in the digital economy,” Khadijah added.
Nigeria’s total score for 2024 was 36 out of 60, placing it at a moderately compliant level, reflecting both progress and setbacks.
Paradigm Initiative further stated that a considerable number of Nigerians are still battling internet affordability, connectivity, and skills barriers that limit meaningful online participation. As much as there have been advancements, much more needs to be done as the most affected are individuals in rural areas, women, and persons with disabilities, who often face issues related to affordability, access, and digital literacy.
