July 23rd, 2024–Abuja, Nigeria: Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with Tap iNitiative, successfully held around table discussion on July 23rd, 2024, addressing the critical issues of surveillance and civil liberties in Nigeria. The event brought together representatives from various civil society organizations to discuss the profound impact of surveillance on human rights across Nigeria.
The round table opened with a welcoming address by Odeh Friday, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, who set the stage for a robust and thoughtful exchange .Ehi Idakwo, Program and Learning Manager at Accountability Lab Nigeria, followed with a detailed overview of recent incidents that have brought the issue of surveillance to the forefront. She highlighted how the increase in surveillance activities has led to the erosion of civil liberties and the stifling of human rights in Nigeria.
The discussion was enriched by the valuable contributions of the participants. The dialogue identified several critical challenges contributing to the current state of affairs, including:
- Lack of Civic Education: The limited public awareness and understanding of their rights remain a significant obstacle.
- Inadequate Training of Judges: There is a pressing need for better education of judges on issues related to surveillance and civil liberties.
- Legislative Gaps: Existing laws do not sufficiently protect citizens’ rights in the context of surveillance.
- Need for Regulation: The absence of a dedicated regulatory body to oversee and manage surveillance activities is a major concern.
Participants under scored the importance of a unified effort among civil society organizations to advocate for civil liberties. While acknowledging the potential benefits of public surveillance, they emphasized that it must be appropriately regulated. There was a strong call for alliances among civil society organizations, focusing on advocating for reforms within the executive, legislative, and judicial branches to ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.
The event concluded with a closing remark from Justin Chiwuba of Tap iNitiative, who reinforced the need for continued collaboration and action to safe guard civil liberties in Nigeria.
The Roundtable is an ongoing conversation that provides a critical platform for civil society representatives to voice concerns, share insights, and propose strategies to protect civil liberties amidst the growing surveillance measures in Nigeria.