Digital rights advocates, journalists, academics, and members of the tech community have converged in Lagos to address the challenges and emerging trends related to internet restrictions in Nigeria.
They also touched on issues around accountability in cases of digital disruptions, especially during crisis and conflict situations at a documentary screening and discussions with the theme: “Exploring the Impact of Internet Shutdowns: organised by the Centre for Media and Society, CEMESO with supported by IFEX-Right to Information Project.
In his welcome address, Executive Director of CEMESO, Akin Akingbulu, highlighted the significance of the event in light of the growing global trend of state-imposed internet disruptions, emphasizing the internet’s role as a fundamental tool for communication, education, and economic development.
Akingbulu while warning against misuse of the internet as a mechanism for censorship and control, called on stakeholders to advocate for policies that protect digital rights and ensure that the internet remains a bastion of democracy and development.
Programme Manager at CEMESO, Timothy Bamidele explained that the documentary stands as a powerful call to action, emphasizing the need to protect digital rights and ensure freedom of expression.
Bamidele noted that it also highlights the resilience of Nigerians who, despite facing internet restrictions, have used digital platforms to advocate for their rights and connect with global movements.
On his part, specialist in Media and Information Literacy, Olunifesi Suraj highlighted the importance of digital rights in fostering democracy and economic development, mechanisms for addressing digital disruptions and resilience in crises and conflict situations.
Suraj called on the federal government to provide a conducive environment such as affordable, reliable and strong internet infrastructure, while stressing on the need for constant engagement, promotion of positive narratives among other innovative ideas on digital rights to achieve information superiority.