A coalition of civil society and digital rights organisations has condemned the alleged disruption of internet access in Nigeria following nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests on Thursday August 1st, 2024.
The coalition, comprising Accountability Lab Nigeria, Africa Cybersecurity Alliance, Africa Media and Information Technology Initiative (AfriMITI), Paradigm Initiative, and numerous other local and international groups, accused the government of imposing a digital blackout to suppress dissent and hinder the free flow of information.
In a joint statement, addressed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the group states that, “this action constitutes an unacceptable breach of established norms and standards under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State party and must be halted forthwith.”
“The weaponization of Internet disruptions and blocking or shutdowns during political unrest only exacerbates the underlying concerns of citizens,” said the group. The coalition argues that the internet shutdown violates chapter 4 of Nigeria’s constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press, right to peaceful assembly, and association, and right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion. They also cite international human rights treaties, such as “Article 9(1) of the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights guarantees access to information as the right to receive information, a principle also upheld by Article 19(2) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
“Disruptions create significant obstacles that damage free flow of information, which may in turn erode trust and increase the likelihood of hostilities and violence,” according to the coalition.
“Disruptions create significant obstacles that damage free flow of information, which may in turn erode trust and increase the likelihood of hostilities and violence,” according to the coalition.
“Shutdowns also disrupt financial transactions, commerce, industry, labour markets and essential service delivery platforms. The government must note that the majority of its citizens are currently at home and need digital platforms to work and communicate. Disruptions such as this can lead to further apprehension and heating up of the polity.”
The coalition referenced the ECOWAS Court’s 2021 ruling that declared Nigeria’s seven-month Twitter ban unlawful. “ The Court held that it violated the freedom of expression of people in Nigeria and required the government to take steps to ensure it does not repeat similar acts of censorship in the future.”
“As spelt out by Principle 37 of the Declaration of Principles On Freedom Of Expression And Access To Information In Africa, states must facilitate the rights to freedom of expression and access to information online and the means necessary to exercise these rights. They must also recognize that universal, equitable, affordable and meaningful access to the internet is necessary for the realisation of freedom of expression, access to information and the exercise of other human rights. Further to this Principle 38(2) provides that “States shall not engage in or condone any disruption of access to the internet and other digital technologies for segments of the public or an entire population.” The government also failed to acknowledge or provide an explanation for the measures, including their legal basis and underlying grounds.
Furthermore, the Coalition calls on the government of Nigeria to adhere to the objective of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance under Article 2(10) to promote the establishment of necessary conditions to foster citizen participation, transparency, access to information, freedom of the press and accountability in the management of public affairs. An open internet will ensure this compliance and the promotion of human rights under Article 4 of the Charter. “
The coalition has called on the Nigerian government “to respect citizens’ rights and immediately cease further disruptions of network services and attempts at future network shutdowns.”
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