CSO decries weak NDPC law enforcement

•Urges wider awareness on digital rights

A civil society organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has raised concern over the weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) Act and the increasing abuse of personal data and digital rights in the country.

The organisation, known for its accountability and anti-corruption advocacy, said the situation underscores the need for stronger awareness campaigns to protect Nigerians’ digital freedoms.

The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists that the organisation was deeply worried about the rising misuse of personal information and the NDPC’s inability to effectively safeguard the digital rights of citizens. He said this prompted the organisation to partner with the UN Women, US Embassy, ActionAid, DigiCivic, Inclusive Friends Association, Paradigm Initiative, and others to organise the “Rights and Rhythm” concert in Abuja on Friday.

Odeh explained that the concert aimed to advocate for safer digital spaces and freedom of expression through music and creative arts. “Nigeria’s online space is becoming increasingly restrictive. Surveillance, censorship, weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, arbitrary internet shutdowns, and unchecked disinformation continue to undermine freedom of expression and privacy.

“These threats often target young people, artists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand their digital rights or how to protect them, and low digital literacy, especially in rural and underserved communities, fuels this vulnerability.

“Art and music have the power to cut across education levels, languages, and cultures, translating complex policy issues into relatable content and inspiring collective action. Hence, Rights & Rhythm leverages this power to demystify digital governance, promote rights-based dialogue, and link creative voices to policy processes,” he said.

He recalled that in July 2025, Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with the NDPC and the Ministry of Youth, reported a surge in complaints about data and digital rights violations, particularly the misuse of data affecting youth, journalists, and grassroots social media users.

He further said: “Also, in July 2025, the NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for violating the NDPC Act. The violations included unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data and breaches of subscribers’ privacy. These developments are clear indications of the growing scale of data breaches in the country. While these cases show progress in enforcement, they also highlight a gap — that many citizens remain unaware of their digital rights or how to protect them.”

“Without awareness and literacy, people will continue to be vulnerable to data privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse of their personal information. This moment calls for urgent and widespread sensitisation so that citizens can better understand their rights and take active steps to protect and defend their digital rights.

“We also cannot ignore that democracy, elections, and governance are all shaped by online platforms. Digital spaces are central to civic participation. Yet the digital divide remains stark. Many in the villages are still offline, cut off from the conversations that shape policies and the opportunities technology creates. Until access is widened, until every Nigerian can connect meaningfully, our digital rights will remain uneven and incomplete.

“Through music and rhythm, we affirm these truths. We affirm that the right to speak, to associate, to critique, and to dream belongs to us all. And we remind ourselves that protecting civic space, online and offline, is the heartbeat of any real democracy.

“This is why Nigerians, government, and companies must renegotiate the rules of digital engagement. Regulation is necessary, and responsible speech is important. But political criticism should never determine who enjoys freedom after speech. The heart of this is trust that when we press ‘send’ on WhatsApp, the message will arrive, and trust that our data will not be misused,” Odeh stated.

The Storytelling Development Officer at Accountability Lab Nigeria, Blessing Anolaba, described the “Rights and Rhythm” concert as a demonstration of how creativity can drive civic change.

“Conversations from the concert amplified critical issues around digital rights, strengthened advocacy around data protection, and could play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative on freedom of expression and a safer, more inclusive digital space in Nigeria.

“It is also a platform where young creatives used music, art, and storytelling to amplify digital rights issues, understand the provisions of data protection laws, the cybercrime act, and advocate for safer digital spaces,” she said.

She added that partners at the event reaffirmed their commitment to promoting sanity in the digital space and ensuring the enforcement of users’ rights, particularly those of young Nigerians.

They observed that the civic space in Nigeria remains fragile, noting that while the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association, and participation in public life, these rights are constantly tested by restrictive laws and practices. Some partners lamented the existence of vague legal provisions that criminalise dissent and the tendency of government institutions to suppress citizens rather than safeguard their rights.

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