In a landmark move for digital justice, Nigerian judges have formally endorsed the Ikot Ekpene Declaration, signaling a strong commitment to protecting digital rights within the country’s legal system. This endorsement marks a pivotal moment, aligning Nigeria’s judicial practices with global standards for digital rights protection, including rights to privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information. The declaration emerged from a workshop organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN), with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, underscoring the judiciary’s crucial role in navigating the complexities of the digital age. As Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi of the National Judicial Institute emphasized, this initiative ensures judicial officers approach digital issues with both integrity and foresight, essential for upholding justice in an increasingly digital society. The Ikot Ekpene Declaration aims to address the urgent need to safeguard fundamental rights in the face of evolving digital challenges.

The Ikot Ekpene Declaration represents a formal pledge by Nigerian judges to uphold justice in the digital age. At its core, it is a commitment to align judicial practices with global digital rights standards, ensuring that the nation’s legal system keeps pace with technological advancements. The declaration focuses on protecting fundamental digital rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information – all crucial elements for a fair and open digital society. The declaration has garnered support from key institutions, including the National Human Rights Commission and the National Judicial Institute, highlighting its importance and the collective effort to safeguard digital rights. ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative, emphasizes the importance of judicial oversight in the digital age, stating, “The marriage between digital opportunities and digital economies is strengthened by judicial oversight and the realities of our time.”

The Ikot Ekpene Declaration emerged from a high-level judicial capacity-building workshop titled “Upholding Justice in the Digital Age: Strengthening Judicial Capacity on Digital Rights and Cyber Governance.” The workshop, organized by Paradigm Initiative (PIN) with support from the Kingdom of the Netherlands through the STANDS (Stemming the Tide of Abuse in Nigeria’s Digital Space) Project, highlighted the slow pace of digital rights legislation in Nigeria and the judiciary’s vital role in ensuring justice aligns with evolving legal standards. As Justice Salisu Garba Abdullahi noted, judicial officers must “approach digital issues with integrity and foresight…administer justice in a way that honors constitutional tenets and effectively addresses the challenges and opportunities of a growing digital society.” The workshop served as a catalyst for the declaration, fostering a deeper understanding of digital rights and the judiciary’s role in protecting them.

The Ikot Ekpene Declaration provides specific recommendations to guide judicial officers in the digital age, focusing on key areas to ensure a just and equitable application of the law. Clarity and consistency in judicial reasoning are paramount when dealing with digital rights cases, ensuring that decisions are transparent and predictable. Upholding the Rule of Law, necessity, and proportionality is crucial when restricting rights, especially digital rights, to prevent overreach and protect fundamental freedoms. Expanding access to justice for vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities, is essential to ensure that everyone can exercise their digital rights. Finally, prioritizing the digital transformation of the judiciary by ensuring adequate resources are allocated will enable the legal system to effectively address the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Paradigm Initiative (PIN) has been a driving force for digital rights in Africa, impacting over 150,000 youth through digital inclusion and digital rights programs. Operating in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, PIN offers the LIFE Training Programme, which equips youth with skills in ICT, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Through digital platforms like Ayeta, Londa, and Ripoti, PIN educates citizens and facilitates the reporting of digital rights violations. Khadijah El-Usman, Senior Officer for Anglophone West Africa at PIN, expressed gratitude to partners like the Netherlands Embassy for supporting crucial conversations on digital rights. PIN’s multifaceted approach, combining education, advocacy, and technological solutions, makes it a key player in advancing digital rights across the continent.

The Ikot Ekpene Declaration represents a significant step forward in protecting digital rights within Nigeria’s legal framework. By endorsing this declaration, Nigerian judges are demonstrating their commitment to adapting judicial practices to the digital age and ensuring that fundamental rights are upheld online. Supported by organizations like Paradigm Initiative and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, this initiative promises to foster a more just and equitable digital landscape for all Nigerians. The emphasis on clarity, consistency, and accessibility ensures that the principles of justice extend into the digital realm, safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups and promoting a fair digital society. This declaration marks a crucial stride towards upholding digital rights and cyber governance in Nigeria, setting a precedent for other nations to follow.