By Emmanuel Antswen
Makurdi, 27, 2025 (NAN) The Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, Mr Friday Odeh, has emphasised that digital privacy is essential for protecting individual rights and fostering trust in Nigeria’s digital economy.
Odeh made this statement on Thursday during a one-day Digital Rights Roundtable training organised for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Makurdi.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to safeguard their digital information and understand the importance of using the digital space responsibly.
According to him, the roundtable training aimed to build a foundational understanding and highlight data protection, digital rights, and data privacy as urgent issues.
Odeh pointed out that in spite the enactment of data protection laws, such as the Data Protection Act 2023 and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, gaps remain in public awareness and enforcement.
“Many individuals are unaware of their rights, while data administrators and collectors often fail to uphold their responsibilities in safeguarding sensitive information.
“Additionally, breaches of personal data frequently go unreported, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation.
“At the grassroots level, data privacy violations have become increasingly prevalent, often occurring without the victims’ awareness,’’ he said.
Odeh explained that the workshop aimed to bridge this gap by equipping CSOs in Benue with the knowledge and tools to understand the legal frameworks governing data privacy and freedom of expression in Nigeria.
He noted that this would enable them to advocate for stronger data protection policies and enforcement.
“We also want to ensure increased reporting of violations on the Ripoti platform and hold key actors accountable for data privacy breaches,’’ he said.
Odeh acknowledged the importance of the Nigeria Data Protection Act in safeguarding the digital space.
He however noted that while the law provides a strong foundation, effective implementation and greater public awareness are still needed to ensure its success. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng
