The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced the release of a groundbreaking Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill in Nigeria.
This pivotal document, developed in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API)—a non-profit organisation focused on advancing digital innovation and inclusive policy development—addresses the urgent need to combat online harms in the country.
The Whitepaper builds on insights and discussions from Nigeria’s inaugural Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, hosted by API in July 2022. It provides an in-depth analysis of the growing challenges posed by online harms, offering recommendations for creating a safe digital space for Nigerians.
The document underscores the prevalence of online threats, particularly their impact on vulnerable populations like children, and emphasises the government’s responsibility to protect citizens. It explores relevant concepts, reviews international approaches to online harm regulation and proposes ideas tailored to Nigeria’s unique context.
Rather than serving as a final framework, the Whitepaper is designed as a foundation for engaging a broad range of stakeholders, including regulators, civil society organisations, businesses, internet platforms and the wider public. It offers research-based guidance to spark meaningful discussions and inform the development of a comprehensive bill to safeguard Nigerians in the digital ecosystem.
NITDA and API envision this Whitepaper as a catalyst for national dialogue and collaborative policymaking. According to the agencies, it is crucial to balance protecting users from online harm while fostering innovation in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.
Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the document by sharing feedback, comments and suggestions via email at theOHPwhitepaper.secretariat@apiintelligence.org. Responses will be compiled and presented for further discussions to shape a well-informed bill.
In a statement, NITDA’s director of corporate communications and media relations, Mrs. Hadiza Umar expressed gratitude to the steering team members, particularly those from Nigeria’s civil society and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), for their contributions to the Whitepaper. She also commended the project secretariat for its dedication and hard work in conducting the research.
“This Whitepaper represents an essential step toward addressing online harms while fostering a thriving and safe digital space for all Nigerians,” Umar stated. “We look forward to future engagements that will refine the framework and ensure its relevance in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.”
The Whitepaper is available for public access and can be downloaded via the link: https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb.
By releasing this Whitepaper, NITDA and API reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding citizens in the digital age while promoting an inclusive and innovative digital economy in Nigeria.
