By danivert

Copyright thesun

…laments weak enforcement of NDPC law

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

Accountability Lab Nigeria, a strong incubator for creative ideas for accountability and anti-corruption, has highlighted the importance of music, art, and other forms of storytelling in amplifying digital rights issues in Nigeria.

The organization also highlighted the alarming rate of abuse and misuse of personal information in Nigeria, as well as the inability of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enforce the digital rights of Nigerians.

The Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, told journalists that the organization was deeply concerned with the development, hence the partnership with the UN Women, US Embassy, ActionAid, DigiCivic, Inclusive Friends Association, Paradigm Initiative, and several others to organise the “Rights and Rhythm” concert in Abuja, on Friday.

He said the objective was to advocate for safer digital rights spaces and freedom of expression through music and creative arts. “Nigeria’s online space is becoming increasingly restrictive. Surveillance, censorship, weak enforcement of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, arbitrary internet shutdowns, and unchecked disinformation continue to undermine freedom of expression and privacy.

“These threats often target young people, artists, journalists, and human rights defenders. Unfortunately, many Nigerians still do not fully understand their digital rights or how to protect them, and low digital literacy, especially in rural and underserved communities, fuels this vulnerability.

“Art and music have the power to cut across education levels, languages, and cultures, translating complex policy issues into relatable content and inspiring collective action. Hence, Rights & Rhythm leverages this power to demystify digital governance, promote rights-based dialogue, and link creative voices to policy processes,” he explained.

He made reference to July, 2025 when Accountability Lab Nigeria, in collaboration with the NDPC and Ministry of Youth reported an increase in complaints and concerns about data and digital rights violations such as the misuse of data that affects youth, journalists, and grassroots social media users.

“Also, in July 2025, the NDPC fined MultiChoice Nigeria N766,242,500 for violating the NDPC Act. The violations included unlawful cross-border transfer of personal data and breaches of subscribers’ privacy. These developments are clear indications of the growing scale of data breaches in the country. While these cases show progress in enforcement, they also highlight a gap, that many citizens remain unaware of their digital rights or how to protect them.

“Without awareness and literacy, people will continue to be vulnerable to data privacy violations, surveillance, and misuse of their personal information. This moment calls for urgent and widespread sensitisation so that citizens can better understand their rights and take active steps to protect and defend their digital rights.

“We also cannot ignore that democracy, elections, and governance are all shaped by online platforms. Digital spaces are central to civic participation. Yet.the digital divide remains stark. Many in the villages are still offline, cut off from the conversations that shape policies and the opportunities technology creates. Until access is widened, until every Nigerian can connect meaningfully, our digital rights will remain uneven and incomplete.

“Through music and rhythm, we affirm these truths. We affirm that the right to speak, to associate, to critique, and to dream belongs to us all. And we remind ourselves that protecting civic space, online and offline, is the heartbeat of any real democracy.

“This is why Nigerians, government, and companies must renegotiate the rules of digital engagement. Regulation is necessary, and responsible speech is important. But political criticism should never determine who enjoys freedom after speech. The heart of this is trust that when we press ‘send’ on WhatsApp, the message will arrive, and trust that our data will not be misused,” he noted.

Blessing Anolaba, Storytelling Development Officer, Accountability Lab, Nigeria, explained that the “Rights and Rhythm” concert was a story of how creativity can drive civic change.

“Conversations from the concert amplifed critical issues around digital rights, strengthened advocacy around data protection, and could play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative on freedom of expression and a safer, more inclusive digital space in Nigeria.

“It’s also a platform where young creatives used music, art, and storytelling to amplify digital rights issues, understand the provisions of data protection laws, the cybercrime act, and advocate for safer digital spaces.

There were recommitments from partners to the cause of “sanity” in the digital space, and also enforcing the rights of the users, particularly the younger ones.

They noted that the civic space is complex, adding that the constitution guarantees freedom of expression, association, and participation in public life. Yet the freedoms are constantly tested by laws and practices that shrink the very space they are meant to protect.

Some of the partners said they observe these in vague legal languages that criminalize dissent and in government institutions that are often used to clamp down on citizens rather than safeguard their rights.