‎By Hosea Parah

‎The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has expressed support for the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) in opposing aspects of the proposed Nigeria Data Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2026, warning that some provisions could threaten digital rights and democratic freedoms.

‎In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC urged the National Assembly to withdraw or substantially amend sections of the bill that could grant regulatory authorities broad powers over digital platforms.

‎While acknowledging the government’s responsibility to strengthen Nigeria’s data protection framework, the organisation stressed that any reforms must comply with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution and Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

‎RULAAC cautioned that data protection should not be used as a basis for expanding government control over digital spaces or restricting freedom of expression through indirect means.

‎The group raised concerns over provisions that could empower regulators to prohibit or shut down digital platforms for failing to comply with data localisation requirements. It argued that such powers could result in arbitrary restrictions similar to the Federal Government’s suspension of Twitter in 2021, which was later declared by the ECOWAS Court of Justice to be incompatible with the right to freedom of expression.

‎According to the organisation, Section 39 of the Constitution guarantees every Nigerian the right to freedom of expression, while Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights also protect freedom of expression and access to information.

‎RULAAC maintained that any limitation on these rights must satisfy the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and legitimate purpose, adding that broad administrative powers to block digital platforms without adequate judicial oversight fail to meet those standards.

‎The organisation noted that digital platforms have become essential for journalism, civic engagement, education, entrepreneurship, innovation, political participation, and access to government services, warning that unnecessary restrictions could negatively affect Nigeria’s democratic and economic development.

‎It, therefore, joined SERAP in calling on the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and the National Assembly to remove or significantly revise provisions of the amendment bill that could undermine constitutionally guaranteed rights.

‎RULAAC also advocated broad consultations with civil society organisations, digital rights groups, technology companies, academia, media practitioners, and other stakeholders before any amendments to Nigeria’s data protection laws are finalised.

‎The organisation further urged Nigerians and democratic institutions to defend digital rights and civic space, declaring that “silence is not neutrality” when fundamental freedoms are under threat.

‎RULAAC reaffirmed its commitment to working with SERAP and other civil society organisations to promote a digital governance framework anchored on constitutionalism, accountability, the rule of law, openness, and respect for fundamental human rights.