Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and House Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, have received a plea from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to reject the recently reintroduced social media regulation bill.
SERAP contends that the passage of this bill would unjustly limit freedom of expression and privacy, essentially criminalizing the legitimate exercise of human rights.
In a statement on Sunday, SERAP’s deputy director, Kolawole Oluwadare, expressed concerns that the bill’s passage could have arbitrary and excessive effects, causing incalculable damage in material and human rights terms. The organization emphasizes that social media is not Nigeria’s problem but rather a valuable means of expression.
Pointing out recent remarks by the National Broadcasting Commission describing social media as a “monster,” SERAP challenges this characterization.
In a letter dated October 14, 2023, the organization highlights that any attempt to regulate social media would be inconsistent and incompatible with Nigeria’s constitution and international human rights obligations.
SERAP strongly warns that the reintroduction of the social media regulation bill could lead to a deterioration of the human rights situation in the country.
Additionally, it may carry significant economic costs for all sectors and exacerbate social and economic inequalities.
The organization urges a reconsideration of such legislation to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights and constitutional principles.
