Kano, Jan.29, 2026
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), has called on Nigerian policymakers to prioritise the protection of digital freedom in the country’s cyber laws.
CITAD’s Executive Director, Mr Y. Z. Ya’u, made the call at the 3rd Edition of CITAD’s Digital Tech Policy Forum, held on Wednesday in Kano.
The theme was “The TrojanHorse in the Cybercrime Act: Ensuring Digital Rights in the Age of the Cybercrime Conundrum.”
Represented by Senior Programme Officer Malam Isah Garba, the Director said there is need for inclusive, people-centered digital policymaking.
Also, he revealed the need foe policy makers to ensure Nigeria’s cyber laws combat cybercrime without undermining fundamental rights of the citizens.
According to him, “Our goal is to ensure that technology policy in Nigeria is not reactive but proactive.
“This Forum will serve as a bridge between research and policy, ensuring that innovations like Artificial Intelligence are guided by ethics, inclusivity, and human-centered values,” Yau said.
Furthermore, Mr Yau stressed the need for policy frameworks that protect citizens’ rights online, while encouraging innovation.
Highlighting the importance of engagement between government, civil society, and academia, he noted that it is crucial to ensure that digital laws do not undermine fundamental freedom.
Barrister Zulaiha Yusuf Gamandi of the Kano NBA Young Lawyers Forum in her remarks, stressed that citizens’ digital rights must be safeguarded.
“The law must protect freedom of expression, privacy, and access to information, rather than stifle them under the guise of security,” she said.
Mrs Gamandi, urged legal practitioners, to educate the public on the implications of digital laws and ensure that Cybercrime Act aligns with constitutional principles.
A research analyst, Abubakar Yahuza while commenting, also highlighted the need for evidence-based policy.
“Policy development must be informed by data to address real-life challenges faced by internet users.
“Digital rights are human rights, and any legislation that threatens these must be carefully examined and debated upon,” he revealed.
Yahuza further reaffirmed the need for civil society, academia and other technology stakeholders’ collaboration, to formulate policies that promote innovation while protecting citizens’ freedom.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, media practitioners, civil society and technology experts, to discuss how the Cybercrime Act affects freedom of expression, civic space, and digital rights.
