Following Nigeria’s first Content Moderation (CM) and Online Safety Summit,[1] the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API)[2] published a white paper on the framework for an Online Harms Protection (OHP) Bill in Nigeria (the White Paper).[3] The White Paper emphasises the prevalence of online harms and threats; proposes a shift from the current CMcentered approach towards a duty-of-care ethos, stakeholder partnership and a coordinated framework that guarantees citizens’ rights while shielding society from the harms of the internet. The White Paper further analyses efforts by several jurisdictions in combating online harms, proposing strategies that are best suited for Nigerian peculiarities. With the White Paper, NITDA and API intend to spark a national dialogue on OHP,[4] which will shape and guide policy development in creating an effective legal framework on OHP and encourage stakeholder participation.
In this exposition of the White Paper, we examine the White Paper and proposed strategies for combating online harms in Nigeria. Consequently, we query the strengths, gaps, and the overall alignment of the framework with best practices in digital governance. Ultimately, we propose recommendations to the framework to effectively counter online harms in Nigeria, drawing guidance from relevant jurisdictions.
[1] This Summit was held in July 2022.
[2] API is an Africa-focused non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing digital innovation and inclusive policy development.
[3] National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Framework for Online Harms Protection in Nigeria (December 2024) (hereinafter the White Paper) https://nitda.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Updated-OHPWHITE-PAPER-copy-compressed.pdf (accessed 20 January 2025).
[4] Feedback, comments, and recommendations on the paper are to be provided via theOHPwhitepaper.secretariat@apiintelligence.org.
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Read the full publication at Olaniwun Ajayi
