Disturbed by the growing trend of digital rights violations across Nigeria, Accountability Lab Nigeria has begun collaborating with the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Ministry of Youth Development to change the narrative.
Speaking on Friday night in Abuja during a youth data protection and voices in code event, AL Country Director, Friday Odeh, who lamented that the violations range from surveillance and police overreach to censorship, disinformation, and unjust data practices, regretted that the practice is eroding civic trust and silencing citizen voices.
“These violations often manifest as direct threats to freedom of expression, especially for youth, grassroots activists, journalists, and online creators.
“In a country where civic space is shrinking and media freedom faces increasing pressure, the need to protect these rights is urgent. Yet, for many, digital rights remain abstract or inaccessible.
According to Odeh, the voices in code initiative provides a participatory, creative platform where young people can engage with digital rights not just as a concept but as a personal and collective responsibility, using tools such as storytelling, art, and civic tech to reclaim space, speak freely, and demand accountability.
Odeh noted that the initiative will support young voices in shaping digital rights advocacy through creative expression, case-based learning, and storytelling, thereby enhancing the use and impact of RIPOTI. He also mentioned that it will equip over 100 participants with the knowledge and tools to recognise, report, and respond to digital rights violations using RIPOTI.
The country director further revealed that the initiative will enhance grassroots storytelling and documentation of threats to civic space through lived experiences, testimonies, and creative expression. He said it will also promote freedom of expression and safe civic participation by integrating dialogue, artistic mediums, and rights-based education.
He further revealed that the programme will support collaboration among CSOs, OPAs, media, and communities to promote coordinated digital rights advocacy and amplify local voices. He also stated that it will generate citizen-led recommendations to inform reforms in digital governance policies, practices, and institutional accountability.
