Mr. Edetaen Ojo, Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA), on June 27, 2024, made a call for enhanced digital governance pointing out that there is a critical need for inclusive policies that ensure that the Internet remains a powerful tool for economic growth, social inclusion, and global connectivity.
Mr. Ojo made the call at the 2024 Nigeria DigitalSENSE Forum on Internet Governance for Development, where he highlighted the Internet’s transformative role in revolutionizing various aspects of modern life, including education, healthcare, business, and civic engagement. He said for a developing country like Nigeria, the internet presents a unique opportunity to overcome traditional barriers to development. He illustrated how the internet can benefit farmers in rural areas by providing access to information on advanced farming techniques, or support entrepreneurs in expanding their market reach.
He pointed out that significant challenges persist despite its potential. He stated that the digital divide remains a major issue, with millions of Nigerians still lacking access to the internet due to inadequate infrastructure, high costs, and limited digital literacy. He also noted the challenges posed by cybersecurity threats, misinformation, and disinformation, which hinder efforts to bring more people online.
To address these issues, Mr. Ojo recommended embracing the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability in Internet governance. He argued that convincing leaders and policymakers to adopt such principles is a critical task for the community. Key priorities include expanding internet access to underserved communities through investment in infrastructure, affordable connectivity, and digital literacy programmes. He stressed the need for government leadership to create an enabling policy environment and incentivize public-private partnerships.
Mr. Ojo also addressed the importance of protecting the civic space online. He noted the increasing efforts by various entities, including governments and security agencies, to restrict online expression and engagement. To combat this trend, he called for laws and policies that safeguard freedom of expression, privacy, and other relevant rights online. He urged the government to repeal laws that unjustly limit these rights and to create an environment conducive to free expression and the exchange of ideas.
Advocating for a supportive regulatory framework for digital entrepreneurship and innovation, he noted that fostering a vibrant digital economy can drive job creation and economic growth. He criticized the prevalent belief that government job creation alone can solve the unemployment crisis and emphasized the need for a robust digital economy.
Addressing the issue of cybersecurity, Mr. Ojo underscored the necessity of strengthening measures to prevent and respond to online threats. He expressed concern over the government’s actions that undermine public trust in digital tools, such as the misuse of the Cybercrime Act and periodic internet shutdowns.
Mr. Ojo concluded with a call for a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance, involving governments, the private sector, civil society, and the technical community. He argued that inclusive law and policy-making processes are essential for creating effective and equitable digital policies. He also stressed that Internet governance is a global issue requiring international cooperation and commitment to shared frameworks and standards.
He called for a collective effort to ensure that the digital future benefits all members of society and to implement actionable plans to achieve these goals.
