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e-RIGHTS Project Partners Condemn Proposed Amendment to Data Protection Act Targeting Bloggers and Social Media Platforms

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Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), and Spaces for Change (S4C), under the European Union-funded eRIGHTS Project, condemn the proposed amendment to the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, which seeks to mandate the establishment of physical offices by social media platforms and compel bloggers to register with recognized national associations and maintain local offices within Nigeria.

The bill, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Nigerian Data Protection Act, 2023, to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for Related Matters,” has passed both first and second readings at the Senate, raising serious concerns among civil society organizations, media actors, human rights defenders and social media users in Nigeria.

While the regulation of data protection is important in safeguarding the privacy of citizens, this proposed amendment extends far beyond data protection. By attempting to regulate bloggers and compel them to join recognized associations and establish physical offices, the bill threatens the constitutional rights of Nigerians, including the right to freedom of expression, privacy, and association, as guaranteed by Sections 37, 38, and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, as well as international human rights instruments and conventions to which Nigeria is a party to.

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This proposed legislation risks shrinking the civic and digital space in Nigeria. Independent bloggers, citizen journalists, and digital creators play a critical role in holding those in power to account, amplifying marginalized voices, and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic discourse. Imposing bureaucratic and financial burdens on these actors will not only undermine digital innovation but also stifle dissent and limit the diversity of online narratives.

We, the eRIGHTS project partners, therefore:

1. Call on the National Assembly to immediately halt the legislative process on this bill and subject it to broader public consultation, especially with civil society actors, media actors, digital rights advocates, and tech stakeholders.
2. Urge the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to assent to any version of the bill that infringes on the rights to freedom of expression, privacy, and association.
3. Request the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to clarify its stance on this bill and uphold its responsibility to protect digital rights and data governance frameworks in a way that aligns with democratic values and international best practices.

The eRIGHTS project remains committed to promoting and protecting the digital rights of Nigerians, and to ensuring that the internet remains a safe and inclusive space for free expression, innovation and civic participation.

 

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Just In:President Tinubu Sacks Minister Of Finance

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.

According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.

Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy. He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.

Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.

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The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.

The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”

Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).

The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.

The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”

Signed:

Yomi Odunuga,
Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation

21-04-2026

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JUST IN: FG Files 13 Count Charges Against Alleged Coup Plotters

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Federal Government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court in Abuja against individuals accused of plotting to overthrow President Bola Tinubu. Among those named in the suit are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three other suspects.

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According to security sources, the coup was scheduled to be executed on Nigeria’s Independence Day. However, the plot was uncovered after preparations and plans were leaked, leading to its successful disruption.

The development prompted the Federal Government to cancel the Independence Day programme—a move described as highly unusual by political observers.

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BIKOBA Mourns EX-NFA Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima

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The leadership, and the entire members of Birnin-Kudu Old Boys Association (BIKOBA) mourn the passing of the former president of the Association, and former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who died Saturday, the 18th of April 2026, after a protracted illness.

Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who died at the age of 78, was the fourth president of BIKOBA, having served two consecutive terms between 1993-1997, and being a member of ’71 class chapter of the Association.

Remarking on the passing of the elderstateman, President of BIKOBA, Alhaji Ja’afar Usman Muhammad (Turakin Gaya), described him as an astute football administrator and one of the most influential figures in Nigerian sports.
He said, after diligently serving BIKOBA as it’s fourth president, late Ibrahim Galadima had also served in various capacities at national and sub-national levels, as one time Commissioner of Information, Kano State while noting that his tenure as Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (2002–2006), was full of success stories, culminating to the growth and develpoment of sporting sub sector in Nigeria.

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He similarly served with distinction as the Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, where he played a vital role in promoting sports at both grassroots and elite levels, said BIKOBA President.

“Being one of the founding fathers of Kano Pillars FC, late Galadima also laid a solid foundation for the club’s growth into a dominant force in Nigerian football, adding that, his legacy, leadership, and passion for the game will continue to be remembered in the history of the club”

The president, on behalf of the executive committee and entire members of BIKOBA, extends heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, his friends, the government, the good people of Kano State, as well as the entire Nigerian football community over the irreparable loss.

In a statement signed by National publicity secretary of the association Malam Mahmud Ibrahim Kwari said BIKOBA also prays that Almighty Allah grants late Ibrahim Galadima Aljannatul Firdaus, Ameen.

 

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