Human Rights Protection and Regulatory Challenges of Social Media in Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the interplay between human rights protection and social media regulation in Nigeria. It explored how various legalinstruments, including the Cybercrime Act 2015, Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria Act 2022, National Information Technology Development Agency Code of Practice, and the proposed social media Bill 2026, govern online communication anddigital spaces. The research adopted a qualitative approach, analyzing statutory provisions, policy documents, and scholarly literature to evaluate the implications of these regulations on fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression,access to information, privacy, and digital surveillance. Findings indicate that while regulation is necessary to prevent abuse, current frameworks in Nigeria often pose threats to individual rights, potentially enabling government overreach and authoritarian tendencies. Excessive control over social media platforms limits citizens’ ability to participate fully in democratic discourse, undermining transparency and civic engagement. The study recommends a balanced approach that ensures robust social media governance while safeguarding human rights. Some measures include revising restrictive laws, enhancing independent oversight, promoting transparency in regulatory processes, and fostering digital literacy among users. By emphasizing the need to uphold constitutional and international human rights standards, this research contributes to ongoing debates on responsible social media regulation in Nigeria and the broader African digital landscape.