by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
JOS: Accountability Lab, in collaboration in with ActionAid and DIGICIVIC, has organized a One-day Engagement on Digital Rights Roundtable for Media Practitioners recently.
Speaking to journalists during the event, Adesuwa Iluobe, who works with ActionAid, said they are the conveners of the coalition of CSOs working towards judicial reforms in Nigeria, adding that, they we were in Jos to engage with journalists in Jos on their rights, and to also explore how civic and digital rights can be protected.
She further explained that, they want to look at how journalists can use their platform to contribute to judicial reforms, saying, “Because there are challenges with the reforms: challenges of corruption; challenges of delays – delayed actions, delayed justice.”
According to her, “We also have challenges that raise questions – questions about whether the judiciary is truly independent or not, the challenges around their autonomy, around how appointments are made, and all of that,” she said.
On what advice she would you give to journalists, especially those, who aren’t familiar with these laws, Adesuwa Iluobe stressed thus: “Just like we’ve shared the abridged Electoral Act and the electoral petition tribunal processes with you – read them, understand them.
“That way, whenever you want to make references to what is going on, you can ground it in facts. That’s how we can effectively educate Nigerians,” she advised.
Also speaking, Alfred Agu of Accountability Lab’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Associate, said they’ve been running a project for a while now in partnership with the National Endowment for Democracy.
He explained that, “The project is focuses on digital rights, and we’ve discovered that many people are unaware of their rights, especially when it comes to digital spaces.
“There have been numerous instances of data breaches, unsolicited surveillance, and online harassment,” he stressed.
“This project has been ongoing for about two years, and in that time, we’ve seen just how vulnerable many citizens are to violations of their digital rights. That includes things like online intimidation and harassment, particularly when people share content or express opinions.
“That’s why we are here, in Jos, to raise awareness among CSOs and journalists. We want journalists to understand the civic space online, the forms of intimidation that can occur, and how they can respond effectively.
“By knowing their rights, leveraging advocacy, and amplifying public awareness, they can play a critical role in defending digital freedoms,” he noted.
“First and foremost, you need to be familiar with the laws that protect digital rights, particularly the Nigeria Data Protection Act of 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulations introduced by NITDA,” he explained.
Alfred Agu buttressed that, “Understanding these laws is key; know what they mean for you as an individual and ensure you comply with them. That way, when you are putting out content or sharing information online, you’re better positioned to protect yourself from violations.
“Journalists are being considered to be advocates. Without journalism, there is no information flow. Journalists are the mouthpiece of the people. If they don’t know their rights and can’t protect themselves, they become vulnerable, and that creates a gap in information-flow and public awareness.
“Journalists play a vital role in the digital rights ecosystem. They need to understand the laws, stay protected, and continue to serve as the crucial link between information and the public,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Country Director of Accountability Lab, Mr. Odeh Friday, said, “Digital Rights Freedom of Expression and Online Censorship is understanding reporting and resisting digital repression in Nigeria.”
According to him, “Digital device should support sustainability and the green transition, while people need to know about the environmental impact and energy consumption of their devices.”
While stressing that, citizens should be able to engage in the democratic process at all levels and have control over their own data, he noted that, “People should be able to benefit from a fair online environment, be safe from illegal and harmful content, and they should be empowered when they interact with new and evolving technologies, like artificial intelligence.”
He further explained that, “Digital tools enable civil society to organize campaigns, mobilize support, and advocate for policy change. Online platforms allow citizens to monitor government actions, expose corruption, and demand transparency.”
Mr. Friday disclosed further that, “Digital technologies enable broader participation in democratic processes, while the internet provides journalists with new avenues for reporting, investigation, and dissemination of information.
“People are afraid to speak out online for fear of reprisal. Because people are less likely to participate in online discussions or activism, they lose faith in the internet as a space for free expression and information access,” he said.
The Country Director urged journalists to make use of the Ripoti platform to document and report incidents of censorship, surveillance, and online harassment.
He equally advised journalists, saying, “share information about digital rights issues with your friends, family, and colleagues and join campaigns and programs to protect digital rights in Nigeria,” and called on the government and corporations to respect digital rights and end repressive practices.