Labour, CSO Pledge To Defend Civic Space, Digital Rights

Labour unions and civil society organisations (CSOs) with support from the Solidarity Centre West Africa have pledged to defend Nigeria’s civic space and digital rights, vowing to protect freedom of assembly, association, and expression.

At a two-day workshop in Abuja, participants from 10 states across Nigeria resolved to fight for the protection and defence of civic space and digital rights, recognised as fundamental to freedom and development.

Speaking during the workshop, organised by the Campaign for Transformative Governance (CFTG) with Solidarity Center West Africa, Jaiye Gaskiya, the CFTG Co-Convener emphasised the importance of a free and open civic space, which is critical to democratic progress.

Gaskiya noted that the more autocratic and dictatorial a society is, the more closed the civic space becomes, whereas a more democratic society enjoys a more open civic space.

He said, “Therefore, trade unions and civil society organisations must fight for and defend the civic space, which includes the right to freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and freedom of expression.”

He also recognised that digital and internet rights are extensions of civic space rights.

A campaign and advocacy plan on digital rights was developed during the workshop, outlining actions and responsibilities for stakeholders.

Through various sessions, participants gained training on navigating the civic space, advocacy campaigns, social media, and digital freedom.