CSO sensitises, judges, lawyers on digital, data rights protection

Over 30 judges of high and magistrate courts across the country gathered in Abuja yesterday for a workshop on digital rights and data protection.

Organised by the Accountability Lab Nigeria, a civil society organisation, with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) as a key partner, the training aimed to equip the judiciary to better navigate the complexities of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem: rights to privacy, internet usage, and national security.

The event was attended by key stakeholders and focused on fostering a deeper understanding of digital rights among judicial officers.

It emphasised the role of the judiciary in safeguarding freedoms of expression and association, especially as the country grapples with challenges such as internet shutdowns, data breaches, and privacy concerns.

Speaking at the opening session, Accountability Lab Country Director, Odeh Friday, said: “We’re having a Digital Rights Innovation Lab conversation. It looks at improving the understanding of digital rights and the National Data Protection Act while helping citizens uphold and understand their rights to data privacy. The conversation will dwell on how we can create balance in our society.

“We want them to understand the concepts so that when cases bothering on digital rights and data protection come to them, they will be familiar with the terrain and how to deal with the issues.”

The Country Director also highlighted the importance of judges in maintaining the balance between national security and fundamental rights, referencing past events such as the 2020 Twitter ban and recent conversations on national security within the National Assembly and the military.

“With over 30 judges here today, we are discussing the balance between national security and the rights of Nigerians to freedom of expression and association.

“How do we prioritise and uphold these rights when cases come before the courts? Judges must understand international human rights laws and their implications for the digital ecosystem,” Friday added.

He also hinted that members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) will also be engaged in the conversation.

“In all of this effort, our target is to build a bridge between the law and the people. We are considering what happens when we find the freedom of expression and dissenting voices being clamped down, or even journalists. So we want our judges and lawyers well-equipped and versatile on issues of digital and data rights protection.”

In his keynote address, Chief Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, underscored the critical need for ethical innovation and collaboration across sectors to address the threats posed by the digital age.

“As we embrace the potential of digital platforms, we must also recognise the evolving threats to these rights.

“The rise of surveillance, censorship, data breaches, and online abuse highlights the urgent need for robust enforcement mechanisms and a deeper understanding of the role of rights in our digital ecosystems,” Ojukwu said.

Ojukwu emphasised three key priorities for safeguarding digital rights: “Aligning innovation with human rights values: Technology is neutral until we decide how to use it. It must empower individuals rather than oppress them.”

“Collaborative efforts: Governments, the justice sector, civil society, private sector actors, and individuals must work together to protect digital rights across communities.”

“Creativity and resilience: Addressing complex digital challenges requires bold, out-of-the-box thinking, which this workshop aims to foster.”

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