By Correspondent in Abuja.
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s digital space have called for the establishment of specialised courts to handle cases of digital threats and rights violations.
Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, Country Director of Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) France, disclosed this at the E-Rights Second Situation Room programme held in Abuja.
ASF France, also known as Lawyers Without Borders, organised the event, which brought together representatives from regulatory agencies, civil society organisations (CSOs), academia, and security agencies.
According to Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, the stakeholders argued that the nation’s courts are heavily congested, causing undue delays in cases involving fundamental rights.
“We do not want a situation where strategic litigations, such as those pursued under the e-rights project, remain unresolved for years because of a slow judicial process. A specialised court would ensure swift hearings and quicker access to justice,” she said.
She added that the second situation room was convened to advance respect for digital rights in Nigeria.
Yunusa Ya’u, Executive Director, Centre for Information and Technology Development (CITAD), also stressed the need for a dedicated digital rights law.
He noted that despite the progress made in the last eight years,including the bill’s passage by both chambers of the National Assembly, it failed to become law due to the refusal of the former president to assent.
“We want the National Assembly to revisit the bill and ensure it receives presidential assent this time,” Ya’u said.
He further urged for an urgent review of the Cybercrime Act, stressing that it should target genuine cybercriminals rather than being misused to harass citizens or stifle legitimate criticism of government.
Also speaking, Wynyfred Achu-Egbuson, Programme Manager for CSOs and Youths at the European Union Delegation in Nigeria, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to promoting human rights.
“Human rights are at the core of our values. The EU will continue to support constructive engagement between government and citizens and lend its voice wherever violations occur,” she said.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
