Group Proposes Digital Rights and Freedom Bill for Nigeria

A coalition of individuals, organisations, and entities has agreed to work with stakeholders to propose a Nigerian Digital Rights and Freedom Bill. Working under the NetRightsNG body, at a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the group said the proposed bill contains those rights and privileges meant to be enjoyed by online users similar to those safeguarded offline as guaranteed by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ‎In its statement issued,  King Nkum, ICT policy manager of Paradigm Initiative of Nigeria ‎said when the bill is finally passed into law, it could be the most comprehensive single legal framework in the world as far as ICT regulation is concerned. “Although Nigeria has an ‘Internet Freedom Declaration’ almost similar to the Brazilian law establishing the principles, guarantees, rights and obligations for the use of Internet in Brazil, a more comprehensive legal regime is required to fill the obvious lacuna in our laws. “The social and economic potentials of this proposed legislation are enormous and hold the greatest prospect for Nigeria and Nigerians alike. Unlike Brazil, Nigeria’s example and leadership however is yet to be established in the domain of digital rights and online freedom”, Mr. Nkum said. ‎Also commenting on the economic value of the bill, Kalu Dimgba, a member of the working committees said: “Passage of the bill will help condemn criminal acts happening online, which has a negative effect on the economy.” He added that the bill will help set boundaries of laws that are punishable if breached and the bill also foresees into the future to cater for emerging trends in the digital and technological realms that are yet to evolve. Dr. John Dada, member of the NETRightsNG working committee, gave remarked on the priority of digital rights in accessing opportunities. “When I think of Nigeria, I think of the most powerful country. Nigerians in other parts of the world are pacesetters and are excelling because of the level of freedom that ensures their personal and professional development. “The bill will create the enabling environment that allows Nigerians achieve their potentials and if the government and legislators realise what passing of this bill can do for the economy and international political status, they will embrace it because the bill will be enabler for a lot of the pledges that were promised to the electorate.” He continued, saying, “ A few people realise the potential of this bill, and I’m glad that Paradigm Initiative of Nigeria took up this challenge to raise the awareness today. The Nigerian government is investing a lot in the Digital Economy of Nigeria and this bill will help facilitate the process.” According to NetRightsNG, the group is open to Nigerians, Nigerian organizations or Nigerian partners who share common ideals and are willing to join forces and resources. The secretariat of NetRightsNG is hosted by Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN).