Civic Space: Nigeria needs clear rules, responsibilities – Experts
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Participants at a virtual meeting organised by a Lagos based international human rights and advocacy organisation, have suggested that NigerIa needs a coherent set of rules and responsibility in protecting the rights of citizens in the use of civic space.
The meeting, organised by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) with the support of the Luminate Foundation, revealed that in rural areas, people are not well informed due to challenges they encounter in civic space engagement.
With the theme; “Protecting Civic Space and Advancing State and Big Tech Accountability in Nigeria,” the discussion was focused on the most important intervention which could improve and protect the civic space in Nigeria.
It brought together important stakeholders in the digital ecosystem such as legal practitioners, judicial actors, human rights advocates, civil society organizations, media organizations, law enforcement agencies and relevant ministries, departments and agencies, to introduce the project, share its objectives, and foster collaboration for its successful implementation.
The ultimate aim of the meeting is to discuss strategic actions and approaches to protect civic space and advance state and Big Tech accountability in Nigeria, ultimately safeguarding digital rights, freedom of expression, association, peaceful assembly and meaningful democratic participation.
The project was introduced because of the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, growing influence of big tech on information flow and participation, and limited regulatory and accountability mechanism.
The project goal and objectives focused mostly to reclaim the civic space and challenge digital power imbalances, foster coalitions and grassroot movements that protect civic space online and hold big tech accountable. It is also to promote evidence based regulation.
Looking at what the success entails, it enhanced civil society collaboration and advocacy around digital rights.
Consequently, in order to achieve the expected, there should be participation in workshops, sharing expertise and contributing of ideas, amplifying the project, promoting outcome of events through networking and platforms, otherwise Nigerians are at a digital crossroad.
