As the world increasingly becomes a digital community, internet access has shifted from a luxury to a necessity. Rights activists insist that access to the internet should be recognized as a basic human right, noting that without it, other rights are weakened.
Internet access underpins freedom of expression, education, economic and political participation, and democratic accountability. Its absence risks marginalizing vulnerable groups and excluding them from critical societal functions.
“The internet is the backbone of modern communication, enabling citizens to exercise rights such as freedom of expression, access to information, and participation in public life,” experts say. “Denying or limiting access essentially curtails citizens’ ability to participate in modern society and exercise political rights.”
Legal expert Seun Olatunde argues that Nigeria’s legal framework should evolve to explicitly guarantee universal, non-discriminatory internet access in line with international human rights obligations. He adds that safeguarding online expression strengthens democratic participation and fosters equitable growth.
“In the 21st century, denying internet access is akin to denying access to clean water or electricity. Connectivity is no longer a luxury but a foundation for innovation, education, and social progress,” Olatunde said.
Nigeria has made strides through the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) and the Internet Code of Practice (2019), which aim to provide reliable, affordable communication services and protect users’ rights online. However, stakeholders agree that these frameworks are insufficient.
The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, previously passed by the National Assembly but not assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari, seeks to formally recognize internet access as a fundamental human right. Experts hope that the current administration will prioritize its passage.
Constitutionally, Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, including the right to receive and impart information. Additionally, the Cybercrime Act (2015) and the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020–2025) set policy goals for expanding access, though these remain policy instruments rather than legally enforceable rights.
Economist and digital rights advocate Disu Hassan emphasizes the economic importance of universal internet access, noting that digital markets, mobile banking, and e-commerce empower Nigerians and promote financial inclusion. “Lack of internet access deepens existing economic and social gaps,” he said.
Internationally, the recognition of internet access as a human right is gaining traction. UN resolutions and the African ICT Ministerial Declaration of 2012 highlight broadband access as essential for exercising other rights. Denial of internet access is increasingly viewed as a violation of human rights.
Despite Nigeria’s 164 million active internet subscriptions as of the first quarter of 2024, a digital divide persists, particularly in rural and underserved communities. High data costs, poor infrastructure, and unreliable electricity hinder equitable access.
This digital disparity impacts sectors such as education, health, and finance. During COVID-19 school closures, limited internet access hindered students’ learning and the adoption of educational technologies. In healthcare, inadequate connectivity constrained data-driven public health campaigns. Financial services also remain largely inaccessible to the unbanked due to unreliable internet.
Science and technology expert Susan Peter calls for a shift from simply counting subscriptions to ensuring quality, affordable, and secure connectivity. “Connectivity should be viewed as essential public infrastructure, like roads and electricity,” she said.
Experts warn that recognizing internet access as a basic human right is not just about connectivity. It is about empowering citizens, protecting democracy, bridging digital divides, fostering economic growth, and securing Nigeria’s future as a continental leader in innovation and technology.
