Accountability Lab has trained journalists, civil society organisations (CSOs) and social media influencers in Plateau State on digital rights protection, citing low public awareness of online safety, data protection and mechanisms for reporting digital rights violations.
The training, held in Jos with support from Luminate, focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge on digital safety, responsible online behaviour and tools for identifying and reporting online abuse.
Speaking at the event, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Associate of Accountability Lab, Mr Alfred Agu, said the workshop was organised to address gaps in citizens’ understanding of digital rights and available channels for reporting online violations.
According to him, the initiative brought together journalists, civil society actors and young digital users to discuss digital harms, online safety, privacy protection and responsible internet use in an increasingly connected society.
“We have seen significant gaps when it comes to citizens’ awareness of digital rights, data rights and even how to report digital rights violations,” Agu said.
“Many citizens are unaware of the platforms available for reporting digital rights violations, while engagement with agencies mandated to address such complaints remains weak.
“There are limited reporting platforms, and there is little engagement with agencies responsible for addressing these issues.”
He said the training was designed to bridge those gaps by empowering participants with the knowledge and skills needed to protect themselves online and promote responsible internet use within their communities.
Also speaking, digital safety advocate, Juliet James-Ambang, highlighted the growing challenge of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV), particularly among students in tertiary institutions.
She explained that many students face cyber harassment, online sexual harassment and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, with perpetrators often including lecturers, superiors and fellow students.
James-Ambang stressed the need for institutions capable of receiving and properly investigating complaints, while ensuring the protection and anonymity of victims who come forward to report cases of online abuse.
“There is still a major gap in awareness and education on digital safety and online abuse,” she said, adding that many victims do not recognise digital abuse or know where to seek help.
Participants at the workshop also discussed the growing impact of misinformation, cyberbullying, online harassment, privacy breaches and digital surveillance on individuals and communities.
They called for stronger public sensitisation, accessible reporting mechanisms and improved collaboration among civil society organisations, technology companies and relevant government institutions to safeguard citizens’ digital rights.
The workshop forms part of Accountability Lab’s ongoing efforts to promote digital literacy, civic participation and safer online communities across Nigeria.
