Avocats Sans Frontières (ASF) has announced plans to collaborate with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to enhance digital rights and data security for journalists in Nigeria.
This initiative was revealed during a courtesy visit by an ASF delegation, led by Board Member Ivan Paneff, to the NUJ National Secretariat on Monday.
Paneff stated that the e-Rights Project aims to establish mechanisms that promote independent and fair access to justice, protect the fundamental human rights of journalists, and provide legal aid to vulnerable individuals, including victims of human rights violations.
Highlighting the upcoming National Conference on Digital Rights, he emphasized the importance of capacity-building through training and partnerships with local organizations. He also acknowledged the role of the International Institute of Journalism (IIJ) in advancing digital rights and data security.
“It is essential for citizens, with your help, to understand how to protect their digital rights and the risks and benefits of using digital tools,” Paneff stated.
He further expressed interest in collaborating with the IIJ to ensure sustainability, adding:
“I learned that you have a school here, and I would like to explore how we can work together in the future. The guideline of this project is to ensure sustainability.”
Paneff also urged journalists to verify sources when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in their reporting, warning that:
“AI is a powerful tool, but ethical journalism remains essential.”
ASF’s Commitment to Press Freedom
ASF Country Director, Angela Uzoma, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to press freedom, explaining that digital rights are a critical aspect of the project.
“Our goal is to ensure a safe online space for journalists, recognizing their crucial role in democracy. Given the events leading up to the general elections in Nigeria, we have seen how the digital space influences press freedom and journalists’ ability to report on harassment, arrests, and intimidation,” she said.
She highlighted ASF’s legal aid program, which provides legal support to journalists facing persecution.
“During our last meeting with the immediate past NUJ president, we encouraged the NUJ to refer cases of harassment. We have a team of trained lawyers who have already taken up cases in Lagos and Kano.”
Uzoma urged journalists to seek legal representation and partner with organizations like ASF rather than making forced apologies under pressure.
“When journalists are coerced into apologizing, it has a chilling effect on journalism unless the report was fabricated,” she added.
NUJ Pledges Support
NUJ National President, Comrade Alhassan Yahya, commended ASF for investing in Nigerian journalists and pledged the union’s full support.
“The NUJ, with its 36 state councils, is the umbrella body for all practicing journalists in Nigeria. We will continue working with you to create more visibility for this project,” Yahya assured.
He also called for ASF’s collaboration with IIJ to enhance journalists’ capacity and sustainability.
“We are restructuring the IIJ and planning to establish a radio station. This will provide practical training for journalists and serve as a platform to uphold press freedom, hold the government accountable, and promote responsible journalism.”
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Yahya further stressed the need to review restrictive laws affecting press freedom, particularly the Cybercrime Act, which he described as a hindrance to journalistic practice.
“It is time for us to stand firm and push for a review of this law. The NUJ will also ensure that cases related to digital rights violations are reported to ASF, knowing you have lawyers ready to defend journalists.”
Ensuring Sustainability
The NUJ President reaffirmed the union’s commitment to sustaining ASF’s digital rights initiatives.
“We will do everything possible
