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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
A report released by the Accountability Lab Nigeria, has revealed that the Federal Government spent about $2.7 billion on surveillance infrastructure, in 9 years.
Country Director, Accountability Lab Nigeria, Friday Odeh, stated this yesterday at a roundtable conversation on the enhancing accountability in surveillance practices: a call for judicial and public oversight in Nigeria and sponsored by the National Endowment for Democracy and Luminate, in Abuja.
He said: “Nigeria has become a significant investor in surveillance infrastructure, showcasing a substantial commitment to integrating advanced monitoring technologies within its national landscape.
“According to a comprehensive study conducted by the Institute of Development Studies and the African Digital Rights Network, Nigeria stands out as Africa’s largest customer of surveillance technology contracts, having spent hundreds of millions of dollars annually and a staggering US$2.7 billion between 2013 and 2022.
“This considerable investment, equivalent to $12 per Nigerian citizen, reflects a multifaceted engagement with digital surveillance, encompassing technologies such as internet and mobile interception, social media monitoring, biometric ID data, and ‘safe city’ monitoring of citizens in public spaces.
“The influx of surveillance technologies is shaping Nigeria’s domestic security apparatus and highlighting the nation’s strategic importance in the global surveillance landscape.
“The study underscores Nigeria’s role as a primary recipient of surveillance technologies from major global players, including the US, China, EU, UK, and Israel.
“This heightened investment raises essential questions about the implications for privacy, civil liberties, and the potential misuse of such technologies.
“As Nigeria navigates the complexities of digital surveillance, it becomes crucial for policymakers to strike a delicate balance between harnessing the benefits of technological advancements and addressing the challenges to ensure responsible and rights-conscious deployment of surveillance infrastructure.
“The policy brief captures that from the national budget of some of the expensive being made. We have not been able to do the mathematics for the 2024 budget .
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“You have spy web, digital technology being put in the national budget. Sometimes people do not pay attention to it.
“They think it is a normal digital technology like computers but when you dig down and ask questions you will find out.”
To strengthen surveillance and tackle insecurity, he said: “a crucial step is the establishment of specialized judicial oversight bodies dedicated to reviewing and authorizing surveillance requests.
“These bodies should consist of independent judges well-versed in constitutional law and human rights, ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation of applications.
“The composition of these oversight bodies is paramount. Independent judges detached from political influence, can provide an unbiased assessment of surveillance applications. Their expertise in constitutional law and human rights is vital for scrutinizing the legality and proportionality of surveillance activities.
“This approach aligns with the principles of the rule of law fostering accountability within the surveillance framework.
“In tandem with establishing judicial oversight bodies, defining strict criteria and legal thresholds to authorize surveillance activities is imperative.
“These criteria should be intricately tied to constitutional principles and international human rights standards.
“Clearly articulating these standards ensures transparency and provides a framework for evaluating the necessity and proportionality of surveillance measures.
“This approach safeguards citizens’ rights and establishes a foundation for the responsible and accountable use of surveillance technologies.
“In conclusion, establishing judicial oversight bodies and defining stringent criteria forma Foundational pillar for enhancing accountability in surveillance practices in Nigeria.”
