National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Ekpenyong Emmanuel
The European Union (EU) has called on the Nigerian government to prioritize the protection of digital rights, citing growing concerns over the erosion of online freedoms.
The warning was issued by EU Programme Manager for Civil Society, Youth, and Human Rights, Wynyfred Achu-Egbuson, during a training session for judges and lawyers in Abuja.
Achu-Egbuson emphasized that digital rights are an integral part of human rights, and any attempts to suppress online freedoms pose a significant threat to democracy.
She noted that the rapid evolution of digital technologies has reshaped fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression and access to information.
The training session, organized under the EU-funded eRIGHTS project, aims to enhance the understanding of digital rights among key stakeholders in Nigeria.
Achu-Egbuson highlighted the importance of striking a balance between regulations and the protection of citizens’ freedoms, citing instances of rights violations in Nigeria’s digital space.
Executive Director of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Dr. Yunusa Zakari Yau, echoed Achu-Egbuson’s concerns, calling on the legal community to take decisive action against rights violations.
He emphasized that the foundation of democracy is the ability of citizens to express themselves freely, both online and offline.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, represented by Henry Barnabas Ehi, stressed the need for the legal community to deepen its understanding of digital rights to effectively advocate for them.
Ehi noted that digital rights are crucial in today’s world and require a balance between protecting national interests and safeguarding citizens’ freedoms.
