Gatefield, a Civil Society Organisations (CSO) has appealed to the government on the need to ensure that the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is domesticated across all the states.
The CSO at a news conference on Tuesday, in Abuja by its Senior Associate, Planning, Advocacy, and External Engagement officer, Mr. Chukwuma Edozie, also appealed to the government to uphold the digital rights of citizens.
He said that if all of these were promoted, it would give room for a transparent mode of governance, as well as enhance citizens' demand for accountability.
According to him, Nigeria currently has 109 million internet users, pegging the country among the top six highest internet users in the world, the rise of internet usage in Nigeria has increased online civic space engagement, advocacy, and mobilization.
He said that the usage of the internet had also increased reliance on digital journalism, democratizing the flow of information traditionally controlled by newspapers, magazines, radio, and television companies.
“The online Civic space serves as a refuge for citizens, including marginalized groups, to raise their voices and influence change, while digital media serves as an effective tool to raise awareness on key social-political issues.
“However, the use of the internet comes with unique challenges and emerging issues. Some of these include citizens’ data protection, freedom of expression online, internet governance, regulation, shutdowns, online privacy, and surveillance.
“These issues present the necessity of the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB). The DRFB has proposed legislation that seeks to protect digital rights, including the right to online privacy, freedom of expression, and information.
“It also involves the right to peaceful assembly online, and the right to create public knowledge.
“The DRFB is important because it tackles issues such as censorship, the prohibition of hate speech, and content blocking,” he said.
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Edozie disclosed that the DRFB bill was passed at the National Assembly in 2019, but it was not signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari due to technical issues perceived on the bill.
According to him, Nigeria is currently a signatory to the UN resolution, instituted in 2016 which affirms that civil, political, economic, and social rights offline must also be protected online.
He said that Nigeria being a signatory to the UN resolution means that the government has officially acknowledged that digital rights are enshrined in human rights.
He further said that with the 2023 general election in view, the period is the most opportune time for the government to live up to its commitment and uphold digital rights for citizens.
Edozie added that upholding digital rights for citizens by the government would help to safeguard the right to freedom of expression, association, and sharing of information online.
He, therefore, called on policymakers to support and re-present the bill for passage.
According to him, if signed into law the DRFB, will safeguard Nigeria's digital space against the unlawful shutdown, and guarantee freedom of expression and assembly online.
He said that this will enhance citizens' demand for accountability and good governance.
