Lafia, May 19, 2026
Stakeholders in Nasarawa State have emphasised the need for improved protection of citizens’ digital rights and greater public awareness on data privacy, online security and responsible use of digital platforms.
The appeal was made during a stakeholder engagement and community workshop on digital rights and data protection held on Tuesday in Lafia by Accountability Lab Nigeria with support from Luminate.
Speaking at the event, the Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, explained that the programme was organised to educate citizens and provide a platform for discussions on challenges relating to digital rights.
According to him, the organisation also aims to establish partnerships and support networks for individuals affected by digital rights violations across the country.
He identified issues such as online harassment, unlawful surveillance, platform moderation concerns and other forms of digital abuse as some of the challenges highlighted during the engagement.
Odeh stated that the initiative sought to understand the unique digital rights concerns affecting residents of Nasarawa State and create collaborative solutions through coalitions and advocacy groups.
He added that the organisation intended to work closely with government agencies, technology companies and other stakeholders to promote compliance with the National Data Protection Act and strengthen the protection of citizens online.
The country director stressed that rights such as freedom of expression, association and assembly should be protected both online and offline, especially as more activities continue to shift to digital spaces.
He expressed concern that many Nigerians lacked adequate knowledge of their digital rights and the consequences of violating the rights of others on the internet.
Odeh noted that many people share images and sensitive information online without consent or awareness of the legal implications, adding that the awareness campaign was necessary to help citizens understand their rights and available legal remedies.
He also highlighted the importance of community participation and the adoption of digital tools like the “Ripoti” platform to report online abuses and monitor digital harm trends for advocacy purposes.
According to him, the organisation is exploring collaborations with legal practitioners offering pro bono services, civil society organisations and media institutions to expand public enlightenment and advocacy on digital rights.
Odeh further encouraged journalists to uphold ethical standards in reporting by prioritising consent, confidentiality and responsible handling of personal information.
He urged stakeholders to pay attention to emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and digital identity systems, to ensure stronger safeguards for personal data.
Also speaking, Gender Associate at Accountability Lab Nigeria, Akakan Markson, presented strategies aimed at improving digital rights protection across the state.
Markson explained that the engagement focused on addressing digital rights issues affecting journalists, students, women, creatives and other community members in Nasarawa State.
She called for practical steps and coordinated actions among stakeholders to strengthen awareness and protection of digital rights within communities.
Participants at the workshop, including Collins Agwam of Punch Newspaper and Aliyu Muraki of Radio Nigeria, said the training introduced them to safer documentation and reporting tools such as the Ripoti platform for documenting digital rights violations.
They also expressed commitment to promoting ethical digital reporting and supporting initiatives that protect victims of online abuse and rights violations.