By Ekuson Nw’Ogbunka , Abuja
In a landmark move to strengthen digital rights in Nigeria, the World Impact Development Foundation (WIDEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). This strategic partnership formalizes their collaboration in implementing Phase II of the Safeguarding Digital Rights in Nigeria (SDRN) Project.
The MoU was signed by Mrs. Rabi Anwar, Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, representing Dr. Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the Commission, and Mr. Arome Agenyi, Technical Consultant for WIDEF on the SDRN Project Phase II, representing Kingsley Godwin, WIDEF’s Executive Director. Paul Gwumapan, WIDEF’s Program Officer, and Chisom Nwabugwu, WIDEF’s Digital and Tech Policy Officer, witnessed the signing.
The aims and objectives of the partnership, among others were to raise awareness about digital rights and their importance in Nigeria, increase citizens’ and stakeholders’ understanding of the threats posed by digital authoritarianism and advocate against human rights violations, including unauthorized surveillance of citizens’ online activities.
To achieve the aims and objectives, WIDEF and NHRC will undertake the following key activities of high level consultation on digital rights in Nigeria, bring together stakeholders to discuss the importance of digital rights and the threats posed by digital authoritarianism.
Through joint press conference and social media campaign, awareness about the partnership and its objectives will be raised and Digital Rights Online Education (DRONE) Project will be utilized and also educate citizens about their digital rights.
The partnership will also drive critical legal and policy reforms to safeguard civil liberties in the digital space. This includes, establish clear guidelines to regulate digital surveillance, set up monitoring frameworks to ensure compliance with digital surveillance standards by both government and private sector stakeholders.
The collaboration marks a decisive step toward fostering a free, open, and rights-respecting digital environment in Nigeria, where civil liberties are protected and citizens can fully exercise their digital rights without fear of surveillance or repression.
Recalled that the Safeguarding Digital Rights in Nigeria Project (SDRNP) was established under the auspices of the Action Group on Free Civic Space – The “Security Playbook” Project, with support from the Funds for Global Human Rights. By working together, WIDEF and NHRC are committed to promoting and protecting digital rights in Nigeria, ensuring that citizens can enjoy the benefits of digital technology while safeguarding their fundamental human rights