In Abuja on Monday, Nigeria’s digital future took center stage during a pivotal stakeholder conversation. The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, made a strong case for a legal framework focused on protecting Nigerians online. He spoke during a multi-stakeholder workshop on the proposed Online Harm Protection (OHP) Bill.
The event, organized by the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API) in collaboration with NITDA, gathered diverse voices. Policymakers, academics, civil society leaders, and digital innovators filled the room. The theme was clear: “Inclusive Dialogue on the OHP Bill: Accountability, Rights, and Safety Online.”
Inuwa urged swift, inclusive action. He emphasized that Nigeria needs a citizen-centered law to respond to growing digital threats. His message focused on protection, not restriction. He stressed the need to defend both freedom and safety online. He spoke with clarity, calling for balance between innovation and responsibility.
Inuwa described Nigeria’s digital space as fast-growing but vulnerable. More people are coming online every day. Yet digital rights and protections have not grown at the same pace. Inuwa warned that the internet must not become a lawless space. He called for clear structures that defend both access and accountability.
Online harms—scams, hate speech, abuse, misinformation—are increasing. These issues go beyond screens. They damage lives, spread fear, and reduce trust in technology. Inuwa called for a framework that protects citizens without limiting their voice. He made it clear: digital rights are human rights.
He also explained that inclusive policymaking is essential. Everyone deserves a seat at the table—young people, women, creators, entrepreneurs, civil society, and tech companies. According to him, laws work best when built with those they serve. That principle must guide the Online Harm Protection Bill.
Inuwa highlighted NITDA’s commitment to digital inclusion and responsible governance. He stressed that trust must drive Nigeria’s digital growth. When users feel safe, platforms thrive. When people fear online spaces, progress slows down. He believes this bill can be a foundation for lasting trust and digital safety.
The workshop provided room for bold thinking. Attendees exchanged practical ideas and raised difficult questions. Yet the mood remained hopeful. Everyone seemed committed to shaping a secure, open, and democratic online environment. Technology leaders expressed support for a bill that promotes innovation while protecting vulnerable users.
Many praised the DG’s leadership. His approach encouraged openness, collaboration, and urgency. He didn’t present solutions alone. He invited others to build with him. That spirit of shared action gave the event real momentum.
As the session ended, one truth became clear—Nigeria cannot wait. The digital space is evolving daily. Laws must evolve too. Stakeholders must act before harm outpaces help.
Kashifu Inuwa’s call wasn’t about control. It was about care. It was about building a digital space where every Nigerian feels seen, safe, and free.
