As at today, Nigeria has no principal legislation that specifically guarantees and protects digital rights. The first attempt bill that
seeks to guarantee and protect digital rights in Nigeria is the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, 2019 which was rejected by the President Muhammadu Buhari. In the absence of the principal legislation that guarantees and protects digital rights in Nigeria. This paper seeks to review alternative pathways to enforce digital rights in Nigeria. The paper explores sections 37 and 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and other instruments which Nigeria has subscribed to, that guarantees and protects freedom of expression. The paper adopts doctrinal research methodology whereby descriptive approach is employed. The paper reveals some of the infringements on digital rights in Nigeria by the authorities and argues that any infringement on digital rights violates the fundamental right to privacy and freedom of expression by critically reviewing decisions of courts from various jurisdictions. The paper therefore recommends that: Digital Rights and Freedom Bill should be signed into law; and authorities should shun all sorts
of infringements on digital rights.
December 5, 2025