The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) have released a white paper outlining the framework for Nigeria’s proposed Online Harms Protection Bill. The initiative aims to address the growing challenges of online harms and ensure a safe, inclusive digital environment for Nigerians.
The white paper, informed by insights from Nigeria’s inaugural Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit held in July 2022, underscores the urgency of combating online harms. Hadiza Umar, NITDA’s Director of Corporate Communications, emphasized the document’s role in contextualizing the prevalence of online risks and highlighting governmental efforts to safeguard citizens, especially children, in the digital space.
“This document offers a wealth of resources on conceptual approaches to regulating online harms,” Umar stated. “It also reviews global best practices and proposes actionable ideas to guide Nigeria’s regulatory framework.”
The white paper is designed to facilitate stakeholder collaboration, including input from regulators, security agencies, civil society, international tech platforms, and the broader public. It will serve as a foundation for drafting a comprehensive bill to protect Nigerians from online harm while supporting a thriving digital economy.
NITDA and API stress that the document is a starting point for engagement rather than a definitive regulatory blueprint. By sparking dialogue, they aim to foster consensus on building a legal framework that protects users and encourages innovation in Nigeria’s digital landscape.
