Nigeria: In a quarterly report released in September 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed that close to 141 million Nigerians were subscribed to the internet, with a broadband penetration rate of 49.34%.
According to Cameroon News Agency, the Executive Vice Chairman of the institution, Dr. Aminu Maida, acknowledged that broadband has been a key driver of productivity across all sectors in Nigeria, ranging from education, health, and security, among others. Dr. Maida stated that millions of citizens now have tools to learn, trade, create, and innovate. These statistics position Nigeria as one of Africa’s largest internet markets, which could significantly impact the critical mass of people if digital threats and civic space issues arise.
Among broadband users are 38.7 million social media users in Nigeria, as reported by Krestel Digital in a 2025 report on social media statistics. The report highlighted that Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have the highest number of users in respective
order. This significant growth in dissent and mobilization across sectors in Nigeria underscores the need to battle misinformation and for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to fact-check discussions, which are central to democratic principles.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s median age in 2025 was expected to be 18.1 years, with over 70% of the population under the age of 30. This indicates that the majority of internet users are a digitally and politically active youthful population, driving online dissent and serving as the primary audience for CSO mobilization.
Furthermore, several CSOs participated in protests both online and offline, shedding more light on events in Nigeria. However, the government quickly intervened to dissuade these CSOs from engaging in advocacy for better policing in Nigeria by freezing the accounts of CSOs like Feminist Coalition. Nonetheless, the CSO innovated ways to continue funding their advocacy.
Legal amendments, such as Section 24 of the Cy
bercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2025, centered around cyberstalking, have posed challenges for internet users. Section 24(b) stipulates prosecution for those sending false information via the internet to cause law and order breakdown or pose threats to life. Despite this, CSOs and journalists continue to face arrests for reporting corruption or criticizing officials.
Digital rights groups like Paradigm Initiative and Access Now have raised concerns that the Cybercrimes Act is still being misused to jail journalists reporting national issues. Similarly, the proposed Social Media Bill (Protection from Internet Falsehoods and Manipulation Bill) of 2019, though not passed, was seen as a threat to CSOs and journalists.
To counter these challenges, CSOs like Paradigm Initiative championed the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB), aimed at establishing a protective framework for digital rights in Nigeria. While the bill passed through the National Assembly, it was never promulgated into law by t
he Executive arm of the government.
The International Centre for Not-for-Profit Law notes that CSOs face operational challenges, including pressure and subversion by state government agencies. However, in April 2025, the Supreme Court of Nigeria ruled that the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act is applicable in all 36 States of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a ruling that some ministries, departments, and agencies have yet to fully implement.
Nigeria’s digital dissent has evolved, with CSOs employing innovative and adaptive strategies to maintain digital space as an avenue for democratic participation and accountability. Organizations like the KeepItOn coalition, Paradigm Initiative, and the Network of Nigerian NGOs (NNNGO) are actively battling censorship and advocating for policy change.
The NNNGO, a member of Forus, works to coordinate and build the capacity of CSOs across Nigeria. Despite successes, they face challenges such as digital attacks and lack of robust digital software. Executive Director Olu
seyi Babatunde Oyebisi highlighted issues like website attacks and social media hijacking, often linked to former staff or consultants, or when critical of the government.
NNNGO emphasizes digital safety and data protection, aiming to equip members with necessary skills over the next five years. They also focus on securing sensitive data and improving recruitment processes to prevent digital vulnerabilities.
Paradigm Initiative promotes digital rights and inclusion across Africa, addressing misinformation and enhancing digital literacy through programs like LIFE (Life Skills, ICTs, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship). They also introduced tools like Ripoti and Ayeta to aid in verifying information and enhancing digital security.
The absence of a unified digital rights framework poses challenges, leading to fragmented responsibilities across institutions. Paradigm Initiative proposed legislative instruments like the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill and the Online Harms Bill to address these issues.
Ac
cess Now’s KeepItOn campaign highlights the impact of internet shutdowns on civic space. They advocate for Internet Access Service Providers to resist government-imposed shutdowns, in line with UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
In conclusion, Nigerian CSOs have shown resilience and innovation in overcoming digital challenges, building a parallel digital infrastructure of resistance powered by local training and collective action. The growing activist network strengthens the cause for digital rights and civic space, emphasizing that the fight for freedom continues on evolving platforms.