Kalu Raises Alarm: Nigeria Must Regulate Digital Space to Curb Online Danger

The Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for the urgent development of a legislative framework to regulate the country’s digital space, emphasizing the protection of vulnerable groups such as women and youth from cyber threats.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ forum jointly organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), Hon. Kalu highlighted the growing dangers of cyberbullying, hate speech, and misinformation, which he described as escalating threats to societal stability.

Kalu, who shared his personal experiences as a target of online harassment, argued that the time had come for people-centered digital policies capable of holding online platforms and tech giants accountable for the content they host. He stressed that the digital landscape has outgrown technical regulation and now poses broader societal challenges that must be addressed legislatively.

“This is no longer merely a tech issue—it is a societal one,” the Deputy Speaker asserted. “We must place the dignity, safety, and rights of Nigerian citizens at the heart of our digital policies. We need a strong, citizen-focused legal framework that balances innovation with accountability.”

He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s readiness to support initiatives that promote safe digital engagement while respecting fundamental freedoms.

Also addressing participants, NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa, echoed the call for regulatory intervention, warning against the unchecked influence of digital platforms on public discourse. Inuwa cautioned that modern algorithms increasingly shape perception and behavior, often without transparency or oversight.

“We now live in a world where what we know is determined by algorithms,” Inuwa said. “This level of power must be held accountable. A coordinated response is urgently required.”

Victoria Manya, Co-founder of API, further framed the internet as a vital public square that must be governed with fairness and responsibility. She warned that regulation should not be driven by fear or nostalgia but by the goal of building an inclusive digital future.

“The internet didn’t break society,” she stated. “It only revealed its true nature. What we need is not censorship, but structure—rules that protect rights while promoting responsible digital citizenship.”

The event brought together policy experts, lawmakers, and digital rights advocates, all aligning on the need for a robust framework that ensures Nigeria’s digital transformation does not come at the expense of its citizens’ rights and safety.