A non-governmental organisation, Accountability Lab Nigeria, has called for the strengthening of existing legislation on data privacy, digital rights and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
It specifically advocated for full implementation of the data protection law in order to be able to curtail breaches.
In furtherance of numerous municipal and international instruments on the fundamental right to privacy and in recognition of the unprecedented, positive impact of Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Policy Strategy (NDEPS) on datafication of the nation’s economy, the federal government signed into law the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023.
The act aims to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals, including their right to privacy, as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution.
Speaking during a digital rights roundtable engagement for civil society organisations and media professionals in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Mr. Alfred Agu, Accountability Lab’s Monitoring, Evaluation and learning associate, expressed concern that despite the existing law many suffer invasion of their privacy without them realising.
He urged the regulatory body to increase focus on cross-border data flows and sovereignty.
The accountability lab also urged media professionals and CSOs in the state to expose digital rights violations and data privacy breaches.
Storytelling development officer at the organization, Blessing Anolaba, said the initiative aimed to empower journalists and CSOs to serve as voices for victims of digital rights violations.
“We are here to train journalists and CSOs on the importance of safeguarding citizens’ digital rights and data privacy. Many citizens have experienced breaches and do not have avenues to seek redress. Journalists and CSOs are in a unique position to amplify these stories and ensure justice,” Anolaba said.
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