Report details how Nigerian politicians, other state actors use digital security tools against online civic engagements
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Research undertaken by 11 civil society organizations under the banner of Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), has detailed methods used by state actors to repress citizens’ protected freedom of expression, assembly, association, and right to privacy.
The 75-page report, titled: ‘Security Playbook of Digital Authoritarianism in Nigeria,’ was presented on Friday in Lagos at an event attended by representatives of the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), cyber security experts, members of civil society organizations and the media.
The report reveals how massive financial resources, equipment and technologies originally procured in the name of counterterrorism and curbing insecurity, are diverted to monitor the movement of citizens, track activities of civic actors online, intercept private communications, restrict online civic space, and limit the ability of civic actors to organise, associate and assemble freely.
The research, which gathered data by tracking incidents, field visits, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, surveys and administration of questionnaires to targeted respondents, found that state actors respond to criticisms and the demand for accountability by silencing critics, criminalise dissent and undermine watchdog groups.
The report reads in part: “For the most part, they have subscribed to a proliferation of repressive laws designed to limit free expression, assembly and association rights, especially on social media platforms.
“From the indefinite suspension of Twitter in Nigeria in early June 2021 to the social media bill, to Hate Speech Bill, to the proposed legislative amendments to the extant Nigeria Press Council Acts and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) Act currently under parliamentary considerations, laws have been formulated, reviewed or reinterpreted by successive governments to criminalise information sharing. These laws aim to sanction and restrict media content and independent reporting that are critical of the government and public officers on both the print and electronic channels.”
The report found 13 government agencies that collect data from citizens, increasing citizens’ exposure to privacy intrusions, targeted advertisements, identity fraud and blackmail.
One of the highlights of the event was stakeholders offering their thoughts on the research and Nigeria’s digital climate.
Chidi Diugwu, Head, New Media and Information Security at the NCC, reacted to claims that politicians and other stakeholders import digital equipment which they use not just for tracking criminals, but surveillance against vocal citizens who demand accountability.
He said: “If what is acquired has to do with microwave transmission, it must have been approved by NCC. Where that approval has not taken place, the equipment cannot be used in Nigeria because we have the resources to detect non-approved microwave transmission in Nigeria.”
Other speakers at the event include Lucas Koyejo from the NHRC, Civic Hive Team lead, Dr Joseph, a Cyber Security Expert, Rotimi Ogunyemi.
Others are Babatunde Braimoh, Kanoba Etomi, and Spaces for Change Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri.