Paradigm Initiative (PIN) said even though Nigeria and Africa are undergoing a digital revolution, which has afforded immense opportunities, there are still various challenges.
  
PIN noted that while digital technologies have been employed to enhance daily lives in education, health, business, work and even socially, people still grapple with a widening digital gap brought about by infrastructural and policy inadequacies, undermining of digital rights through digital surveillance and censure to data privacy breaches, poor digital governance and algorithmic bias, which underscore the inherent complexity of the digital landscape.
  
Speaking in Lagos on the sideline of activities marking the end of the year, Chief Operating Officer of PIN, Nnenna Paul-Ugochukwu, said the entire world has been and is still witnessing a digital revolution that has afforded immense opportunities, but also presented new challenges.
  
Paul-Ugochukwu noted that this year: “We have watched social media companies and the governments backtracking on commitments. We have also witnessed the continued disturbing trend of digital rights violations across the continent, including internet shutdowns, persisting surveillance, and censorship. These actions stifle freedom of expression of which the press is a bastion and, very importantly, also hinder economic growth and social progress.”
  
On his part, Executive Director at PIN, Gbenga Sesan, said demonisation of applications was a major bottleneck for digital inclusion, stressing that digital platforms have improved the lives of citizens, but that there is a need to address the challenges facing the digital space.
  
“The government needs to take steps to address challenges facing the digital rights landscape in Africa, including Internet disruptions, the undermining of digital rights, data breaches, surveillance and censorship,” he stated.
  
Sesan stressed the importance of using appropriate technologies to address specific challenges.  He also highlighted the need for digital literacy and online safety training for citizens, particularly those in rural areas.
  
According to him, PIN had been working to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights.  As such, he stressed the importance of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) in enforcing data protection laws.
  
Sesan, however, noted that the lack of independence and zero budget allocation for the NDPC in 2024 was a worrisome development. He noted that the zero budget allocation for the Commission in 2024 could have hindered its ability to carry out its mandate.

The PIN boss expressed concern about the lack of independence of the NDPC, citing the fact that it was controlled by the Ministry of Communications, innovation and Digital Economy.

He emphasised that the NDPC’s independence and adequate funding are crucial it to effectively regulate data protection in Nigeria and protect citizens’ data. Sesan stressed the importance of collaboration and coordination among stakeholders to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights.