Accountabilitylab Nigeria, a global non-governmental organization (NGO), has raised concerns over the Federal Government’s allocation of N352.8 million for Digital Literacy under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The NGO argues that placing the digital literacy project under the agriculture ministry instead of the Ministry of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy is a misalignment.
During the unveiling of its four policies for the year 2024 in Abuja, Odeh Friday, the Country Director of Accountabilitylab, highlighted the budget misfit in the nation’s digital literacy drive. He specifically pointed out allocations under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security targeting digital literacy and data protection training campaigns for youth in Ibadan Northwest/Ibadan Southwest Federal Constituency.
Friday stated, “This constituency project should have been led by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy or the NDPC (Nigeria Data Protection Commission).”
He emphasized the need for ethical security measures to protect personal data from unauthorized access, urging government agencies to allocate budgets for data protection and surveillance equipment. He called for horizontal accountability measures in line with the Nigerian Data Protection Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (NDP-SRAP).
The four policies unveiled by AccountabilityLab Nigeria aim to address gaps related to protecting access to information, enhancing accountability in surveillance practices, implementing data protection measures, and strengthening data protection efforts.
Ehi Idakwo, the Programmes and Learning Manager at AccountabilityLab Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the policy briefs in shaping Nigeria’s safe and inclusive digital future. The policies include combating online censorship, enhancing accountability in surveillance practices, examining and improving the data protection regime, and implementing measures to safeguard against surveillance abuse in Nigeria.
Anolaba Blessing, the Communications Officer at Accountabilitylab, stressed the importance of supporting global efforts to empower citizens and businesses in respecting privacy, safeguarding data, and fostering trust in shaping the future of data privacy in Nigeria.
