The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for the establishment of a citizen-oriented legislative framework to combat the rising threats of cybercrime and online harms, with a particular focus on the protection of women and young people.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation, API, Hon. Kalu presented compelling statistics highlighting a worrying surge in cyberbullying, hate speech, and the spread of misinformation. He emphasised that women and young people remain among the most vulnerable, frequently subjected to harassment and psychological abuse in the digital space.
Drawing from his own experience as a victim of cyberbullying and misinformation, the Deputy Speaker stressed the urgent need for comprehensive, people-focused regulations to guide the conduct of big tech companies managing digital platforms.
“This is not just a technical issue, it is a societal issue,” he stated. “We must prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens in the digital space. I urge all stakeholders present to contribute towards drafting a robust legislative and regulatory framework that protects users, holds platforms accountable, and promotes responsible digital engagement.”
Hon. Kalu reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting policies that strike a balance between technological innovation and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights in the digital age.
In his address, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, underscored the need for an inclusive and citizen-centred legal framework to tackle online harms. He stressed the urgency of ensuring both accountability and the protection of rights in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
Highlighting the dominance of digital platforms, Inuwa warned of the unchecked influence wielded by tech companies over public discourse.
“We now live in a world where algorithms decide what we see, know, and even think. This is unaccountable power, and we must act collectively to address it,” he said.
In her opening remarks, Victoria Manya, Co-founder of API, remarked that the digital space is no longer an emerging frontier but a public square, serving at once as classroom, courtroom, and, at times, battlefield, and must therefore be governed.
“Like any shared space, it must be governed, not by fear, not by force, but by fairness, rights, and responsibility.”
She added, “The truth is, the internet did not break society; it simply made society visible—unfiltered, uncurated, and, sometimes, unkind.
“Regulation is not about nostalgia for a simpler past. It is about creating a future where innovation does not mean impunity.”
There’s urgent need to regulate Nigerian digital space – Deputy Speaker Kalu
