NITDA and API Launch Whitepaper to Tackle Online Harms in Nigeria
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA December, 2024 -The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), has released a groundbreaking Whitepaper outlining a framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill in Nigeria. This collaborative effort seeks to address the growing concerns surrounding online safety in the digital space.
Developed as part of an initiative to combat escalating online harms, the Whitepaper builds on insights from Nigeria’s first-ever Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, hosted by API in July 2022. It explores the prevalence of online harms, emphasizing the urgency of governmental action and proposing potential solutions to safeguard citizens, particularly children, in the digital age.
The Whitepaper serves as a resourceful guide, offering conceptual ideas and analyzing regulatory approaches from other jurisdictions. It provides a foundation for stakeholder engagement, encouraging collaboration among regulators, security agencies, civil society, internet platforms, businesses, and the public to shape a robust framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill.
Rather than presenting a definitive solution, the Whitepaper aggregates research and diverse perspectives to foster meaningful discussions. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate by submitting comments, questions, and recommendations to OHPwhitepaper.secretariat@apiintelligence.org. Feedback will be collated and used to inform the development of a comprehensive legislative framework.
NITDA and API express their gratitude to the steering team, including representatives from Nigeria’s civil society and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), for their contributions. Appreciation is also extended to the project secretariat for their dedication to this initiative.
This Whitepaper underscores NITDA’s commitment to fostering a safer and more inclusive digital environment in Nigeria, paving the way for further dialogue and action to enhance the nation’s digital economy.
To access the Whitepaper, visit: https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb.
The Press Release was signed by
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, fnipr, f.apra
Director, Corporate Communications and Media Relations, NITDA.
Comments