By 
By Osasome, O.C and Nana Theresa Timothy
As Nigeria grapples with the escalating challenge of online harms, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), has launched a Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill. This landmark document aims to address the growing risks of online abuse, misinformation, and cyber threats, while fostering a safer and more inclusive digital environment.
The Rising Tide of Online Harms in Nigeria
With the expansion of internet access, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in online harms such as cyberbullying, hate speech, scams, and the exposure of children to harmful content. These challenges have sparked urgent calls for regulatory measures to ensure the safety of Nigerian internet users.
Recognizing the gravity of these issues, the whitepaper underscores the need for a unified national framework to combat online harms while supporting the country’s digital innovation ecosystem.
Key Insights from the Whitepaper
The whitepaper builds on discussions from Nigeria’s inaugural Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, hosted by API in July 2022. It provides:
- Context on Online Harms: Analysis of the prevalence and impact of harmful online behaviors.
- Best Practices from Global Examples: Regulatory insights from other jurisdictions to guide Nigeria’s approach.
- Proposed Strategies: Conceptual resources and regulatory options tailored to Nigeria’s unique digital landscape.
The document also serves as a catalyst for stakeholder engagement. It brought together government agencies, civil society organizations, businesses, and international internet platforms.
Benefits of an Online Harms Protection Bill
A well-structured Online Harms Protection Bill offers numerous advantages, including:
- Improved Online Safety: Shielding citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like children, from harmful content and online threats.
- Clear Regulations: Providing guidelines for content moderation, accountability, and the ethical use of digital platforms.
- Strengthened Human Rights Protections: Ensuring online interactions respect privacy, dignity, and freedom of expression.
- Economic Growth: Fostering a digital ecosystem where businesses and innovation thrive in a secure environment.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
The release of the whitepaper marks the beginning of a collaborative journey. NITDA and API invite stakeholders to contribute to this process by submitting comments, questions, and suggestions to [email protected]. These inputs will be instrumental in shaping the eventual bill and ensuring it reflects the diverse interests of Nigeria’s digital community.
Official Statement from NITDA
Mrs. Hadiza Umar, Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations at NITDA, expressed gratitude to the contributors, stating:
“This whitepaper represents a collective effort, bringing together ideas from civil society, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to guide Nigeria towards safer online interactions.”
How to Access the Whitepaper
The whitepaper is available for download at https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb.
Whitepaper is strategic foundation for tackling online harm
As online harms become a pressing issue in Nigeria, the release of this whitepaper provides a strategic foundation for tackling these challenges head-on. With stakeholder collaboration, the proposed Online Harms Protection Bill could herald a safer and more equitable digital future for all Nigerians.
