By NEXTER
A non-governmental organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has called for the strengthening of existing legislation on data privacy, digital rights, and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
It specifically advocated for full implementation of the Data Protection Law in order to be able to curtail breaches.
NEXTER reports that in furtherance of numerous municipal and international instruments on the fundamental right to privacy and in recognition of the unprecedented, positive impact of Nigeria Digital Economy and Policy Strategy (NDEPS) on datafication of the nation’s economy, the Federal Government of Nigeria signed into law the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The Act aimed to to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including their right to privacy, as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.
It mandates the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enforce its provisions and regulate data processing activities.
Speaking during a digital rights roundtable engagement for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and media professionals in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Mr. Alfred Agu, Accountability Lab’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Associate, expressed worries that despite the existing law many suffered invasion of their privacy without them realising.
He urged the regulatory body to also increased focus on cross-border data flows and sovereignty.
The Accountability Lab, also urged media professionals and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the state to expose digital rights violations and data privacy breaches.
Blessing Anolaba, Storytelling Development Officer at the organisation said the initiative aims to empower journalists and CSOs to serve as voices for victims of digital rights violations.
“We are here to train journalists and CSOs on the importance of safeguarding citizens’ digital rights and data privacy. Many citizens have experienced breaches and do not have avenues to seek redress. Journalists and CSOs are in a unique position to amplify these stories and ensure justice,” Anolaba said.
