ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has urged stakeholders to contribute their perspectives on the proposed Online Harms Protection Bill, aimed at addressing the rising challenges of online safety in Nigeria.
In partnership with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting digital innovation and policy advancement across Africa, NITDA unveiled a whitepaper detailing the framework for the bill.
The framework stems from deliberations at Nigeria’s first Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, held in July 2022, which highlighted the urgency for robust regulatory measures to safeguard Nigerians in the digital space.
In a statement released on Thursday, signed by NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications and Media Relations, Hadiza Umar, the agency stressed the whitepaper’s role in fostering public dialogue on online safety issues.
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“By releasing this whitepaper, we aim to foster a national conversation that will help shape the development of a comprehensive legal framework that balances citizen protection with a thriving digital ecosystem,” NITDA said.
The document offers an overview of the widespread issue of online harms and proposes regulatory measures to safeguard users engaging with digital and interactive content.
It also examines global initiatives and suggests best practices that could be adapted to Nigeria’s unique context.
However, NITDA emphasized that the framework is not intended to be a conclusive blueprint but a starting point for broader national discussions and stakeholder engagement.
The agency noted that the whitepaper will form the basis for further consultations, involving contributions from civil society, local and international internet platforms, security regulators, businesses, and the public.
NITDA encouraged all stakeholders to review the document and provide feedback to help refine the framework before the final bill is drafted.
As part of the ongoing process, NITDA stated it would gather responses and present them to relevant groups for additional discussions.
The agency also highlighted that, once finalized, the bill is expected to provide a comprehensive solution to online harms while supporting the responsible growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.