By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that the Center For Information Technology and Development (CITAD) had urged the newly sworn-in government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the digital rights of Nigerians.
The group stated this in a statement issued shortly after a press conference held at the CITAD Hall, in Kano State on Wednesday.
CITAD urged the new administration to set comprehensive data protection legislation by passing the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill.
This, it said will regulate the collection, use, and sharing of personal data by public and private entities.
It added that it will protect citizens’ privacy and prevent abuse of personal data.
“The president should ensure that Nigerians have the right to access and share information freely online without censorship, intimidation, or harassment. Also, his government needs to work towards creating an enabling environment for online expression and digital journalism, protecting whistleblowers, and strengthening mechanisms for transparency and accountability.
“Another aspect the new administration should focus on is digital literacy as there is a significant digital divide in Nigeria, with many people lacking basic digital literacy skills, we could see this with the introduction of a cashless policy in the country. There is a need for the government to prioritize investment in digital education initiatives to provide citizens with the necessary skills to participate in the digital economy and benefit from the opportunities presented by emerging technologies.
“We also call on the 10th National Assembly to show the same zeal as the 9th Assembly to ensure the speedy passage of the Digital Rights and Freedoms Bill as it would enable the country to have a comprehensive data protection system, and the president to ensure it assent once presented to him.
“Finally, we believe that if the new administration considers and implements these actions, the country’s digital space will become more open, free, and secure for all citizens, which in return will provide better investment in the country’s digital space by both citizens and foreign investors considering that creating jobs in digital technology is one of the priorities of this government, “the statement said.
