Paradigm Initiative (PIN) an advocate for digital rights and inclusion in Nigeria, has urged the National Assembly to prioritise the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill.
Paradigm Initiative through its Digital Policy Engagement Series (DiPES), engaged stakeholders to examine, review and hold discussions focused on the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill (DRFB).
As a significant contributor in influencing the change of policy and laws, PIN seeks to utilise the conference to create a coordinated and influential push towards digital rights and freedoms and freedom of expression while advocating for the incorporation of international human rights standards in Nigeria’s cybercrimes, telecoms laws and policies.
The Conference was supported by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
As the digital landscape evolves rapidly, legislative frameworks must keep pace to protect the digital rights of Nigerian citizens.
Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative while briefing journalists at the Conference, explained that the Bill was sent to the National Assembly in 2016, and it passed by the two Chambers, but when it got to the table of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign it into law, he declined to sign the bill.
He said what they did was to go back and look at some of the reasons they gave for not signing the bill, readjust the bill and reintroduce it to the 9th National Assembly.
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“Now that we have a new National Assembly, we are reintroducing a new version of the bill which not too different from the original version but has incorporated feedback from the government, Civil Society Organisations, from the private sectors and all stakeholders and that Wil now go back again to the National Assembly to follow the process and we are trusting that as a bill that has been passed before, it will enjoy some accelerated process in the National Assembly”, Sesan said.
The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill holds significant importance in safeguarding the rights of individuals in the digital space. It addresses various aspects including, digital privacy, freedom of expression online, and access to the Internet as a fundamental right.
In light of the growing digitalisation of societies globally and the increasing reliance on digital platforms for communication, commerce, and expression, the protection of digital rights has become more crucial than ever.
Nigerian citizens deserve legislative safeguards that ensure their rights are respected and upheld in the digital realm.
Paradigm Initiative called on members of the National Assembly to also work collaboratively with other stakeholders, including civil society organisations, technology companies, and academia, to enact comprehensive legislation that adequately protects digital rights.
Furthermore, PIN emphasised the importance of ensuring that any legislation enacted is in line with international human rights standards, promotes digital inclusion, and fosters an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth.
As Nigeria strives to become a digital economy, it is imperative that the legal framework reflects the principles of digital rights and freedoms, fostering an environment where citizens can fully harness the opportunities presented by the digital age.
Paradigm Initiative said it remains committed to advocating for the protection of digital rights in Nigeria and will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens are upheld in the digital sphere.
“We urge members of the National Assembly to heed this call and take concrete steps towards the passage of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, thereby demonstrating Nigeria’s commitment to upholding digital rights and freedoms for all its citizens”, PIN noted.
