NiRA solicits stakeholders’ consent on internet governance framework

The Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) has expressed confidence that the outcome of recent Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) will further boost stakeholders focus towards common grounds for internet governance in the country.

NiRA in its bi-weekly e-newsletter described such framework for internet governance as critical in addressing the nation’s most critical and evolving issues on internet governance.

Rev. Sunday Folayan, president of NiRA, said “Overall, the outcome of the forum will further enhance consensus building among stakeholders on the framework for Internet governance in Nigeria, address the nation’s most critical and evolving issues on Internet governance, while advancing the nation’s position at the regional and global Internet Governance Forum”.

Meanwhile, the 2016 edition of the NIGF which was held recently in Abuja, Nigeria, with the main theme: “Harnessing Internet Governance for Inclusive Development and Smarter Nigeria…” brought about dialogue amongst stakeholders on how the Internet Governance Ecosystem potentials should be harnessed for Nigeria’s inclusive development, economic growth and ability for sustenance.

The Local Multi-stakeholders Advisory Group (LMAG) of the 2016 NIGF is made up of the Ministry of Communications (FMoC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The pre-event, for the forum was a Special Youth workshop held on the 1st June 2016 with the theme: “Connecting for Empowerment”.

The workshop chaired by Nasir Saidu Adhama, special assistant to the President on the Youth and Student Affairs, aimed to connect, empower and stimulate the youth in taking advantage of the opportunities that the Internet provides. Several business opportunities were discussed including strategy for accessing critical business resources.

“The impact of the Internet on the youth is to ensure they behave positively on the Internet. The youths were informed that with over Three billion Internet users worldwide, they have a large audience to market their brands and products to. The special youth workshop showcased several projects of Youths using embedded technology.

“Discussions ranged from Unleashing the power of Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Mind (IoM) for a smarter Nigeria, Harnessing indigenous innovation for inclusive development and the Implication of Free Basic on Internet neutrality and innovation in Nigeria,” Folayan said.

It was agreed that lack of sufficient Infrastructure, lack of adequate awareness, accessibility, affordability and skill gap were major setbacks for the inclusive development and penetration of the Internet in Nigeria.

The forum identified that the following recommendations: Development of adequate policies for Internet Governance, Sensitization to increase awareness of the Cybercrime Act, Development of adequate infrastructure, Engagement of Citizens on the proper use of Internet and Inclusion of special privilege (Disabled) citizens in the use of the Internet.

Nigeria Internet Governance Forum is a renewed collaborative effort of internet stakeholders in the country to help provide a coordinated mechanism for domestic stakeholder’s participations in the local, regional and global internet governance dialogues.

The effort has culminated into partnerships, coalitions and dialogues that redefine Nigeria position at the internet governance meetings. The 2013 edition took advantage of the NIGF multi-stakeholder platform to empower Nigerian youths.

The Forum has recorded so far a combined attendance by over 1,000 stakeholders since its inception in 2012.

It has attracted active participation from public institutions, private sector groups, civil societies, professional bodies, trade associations, academia, students and youths, military and para-military organizations, security and law enforcement agencies, government, law makers, ICT industry, internet users, and the public, as well as media groups from print, electronic and online, scholars and research scientists.