The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for the establishment of a citizen-oriented legislative framework to combat the rising threats of cybercrime and online harms in Nigeria, with particular emphasis on protecting women and young people.
Speaking at a stakeholders' workshop organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), Hon. Kalu presented alarming statistics highlighting a worrying surge in cyberbullying, hate speech, and misinformation across Nigerian digital platforms.
Drawing from personal experience as a victim of cyberbullying and misinformation, the Deputy Speaker emphasized that this issue transcends technical concerns. "This is not just a technical issue, it is a societal issue," he stated. "We must prioritize the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens in the digital space."
Kalu urged all stakeholders to contribute towards drafting robust legislative and regulatory frameworks that protect users, hold platforms accountable, and promote responsible digital engagement. He reaffirmed the National Assembly's commitment to supporting policies that balance technological innovation with safeguarding fundamental human rights in the digital age.
The NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the need for an inclusive and citizen-centered legal framework to address online harms. He warned about the unchecked influence wielded by tech companies over public discourse.
"We now live in a world where algorithms decide what we see, know, and even think. This is unaccountable power, and we must act collectively to address it," Inuwa said.
Victoria Manya, Co-founder of API, described the digital space as no longer an emerging frontier but a public square that serves as classroom, courtroom, and sometimes battlefield. She emphasized that like any shared space, it must be governed by fairness, rights, and responsibility.
"The truth is, the internet did not break society; it simply made society visible—unfiltered, uncurated, and, sometimes, unkind," Manya noted. "Regulation is not about nostalgia for a simpler past. It is about creating a future where innovation does not mean impunity."
The workshop brought together key stakeholders to discuss the development of appropriate regulatory frameworks that would protect Nigerian citizens while fostering digital innovation.
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