FG tasked on digital rights democratization

The federal government has been urged to democratize digital rights in the country as part of measures to promote equal access for Nigerians for national development.

A coalition of prominent organizations including Gatefield, Paradigm Initiative and other experts in information and technology; as well as educationists, made the call in a communique issued after their meeting in Abuja.

They urged the federal government to take immediate action to address the widening digital divide and ensure that every citizen can fully participate in the digital economy.

The Senior Programs Officer, Anglophone West Africa of the coalition, Khadijah El-Usman, said the digital landscape was transforming the way Nigerians access educational resources, job opportunities, and engage in democratic processes.

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On his part, the senior associate planning advocacy and engagement Gatefield, Chukwuma Edozie, said the meeting was meant to create awareness on the increasing number of digital rights violations in Nigeria.

He said these violations include restriction of internet access, censorship of online content, and the use of surveillance technology to monitor citizens, adding that these actions violate the fundamental rights of individuals and undermine democracy in the country.

Also, a lecturer of mass communication in the University of Abuja, Nurat Audu, said pressing issues like the right to privacy, freedom of expression, and digital inclusion needed to be addressed promptly by stakeholders.