The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for urgent legislation to regulate Nigeria’s digital space, citing growing concerns over cybercrime, online abuse, and misinformation, especially against women and young people.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), Kalu said the current wave of cyberbullying, hate speech, and harmful content is a major threat to society.
“This is not just a technical issue, it is a societal issue,” Kalu said. “We must prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens in the digital space.”
He urged stakeholders to work together in developing a strong, citizen-focused legal framework to hold digital platforms accountable and ensure responsible online behaviour.
Kalu shared his own experience of being targeted by online falsehoods and cyberbullying, stressing the human impact of unregulated online activity. He added that the National Assembly is committed to supporting laws that balance innovation with human rights protection.
NITDA Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, also highlighted the growing power of tech companies in shaping public opinion, warning that algorithms now have the power to control what people see and think.
“We must act collectively to ensure these platforms are held to account and do not abuse their influence,” Inuwa said.
Victoria Manya, Co-founder of API, described the internet as the new public square, saying it must be governed not by fear or force, but by fairness and responsibility.
“The internet didn’t break society. It just exposed it raw and unfiltered. Regulation is not about fear of technology but about protecting people while allowing innovation to thrive,” she said.
The workshop brought together lawmakers, tech experts, civil society groups, and regulators to discuss ways to build a safer and more inclusive digital environment in Nigeria.
