Over 30 judges from high and magistrate courts across Nigeria gathered in Abuja for a workshop on digital rights and data protection, aimed at enhancing judicial understanding of Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
The event, organized by civil society group Accountability Lab Nigeria in collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), provided a platform for judicial officers to engage with pressing issues such as data privacy, internet governance, and national security.
Speaking at the workshop, Accountability Lab Country Director, Odeh Friday, emphasized the need for a well-informed judiciary in handling digital rights cases. “We are fostering discussions on digital rights, the National Data Protection Act, and how citizens can better understand and uphold their privacy rights. Our goal is to equip judges with the knowledge necessary to navigate these issues when they arise in court,” he stated.
Friday also underscored the judiciary’s role in balancing national security with fundamental freedoms, citing past incidents such as the 2020 Twitter ban and ongoing debates on digital regulations. “With over 30 judges in attendance, we are discussing how to uphold freedom of expression and association while considering national security concerns. Understanding international human rights law is critical in shaping judicial decisions in this space,” he added.
Chief Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, delivered a keynote address highlighting the growing threats to digital rights. “Surveillance, censorship, data breaches, and online harassment pose serious risks to fundamental freedoms. Addressing these challenges requires ethical innovation and cross-sector collaboration,” he said.
Ojukwu outlined three key priorities for safeguarding digital rights: ensuring that technology aligns with human rights values, fostering collaboration between government, civil society, and private sector actors, and embracing creative solutions to tackle emerging digital threats.
The workshop also aimed to engage the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the discourse, ensuring that both judges and lawyers are well-equipped to handle cases related to digital and data rights. “We must bridge the gap between law and the people, particularly as issues surrounding freedom of expression and press freedoms continue to emerge,” Friday noted.
By equipping judicial officers with the necessary knowledge and tools, the workshop sought to strengthen legal frameworks that protect digital rights while ensuring a fair balance between innovation, privacy, and national security.
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