A coalition of nongovernmental organisations has condemned the intentional disruption of internet access in Nigeria following the #Hunger protests that erupted in several states across the country on August 1st, 2024.
In a statement copied to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the coalition said the action constitutes an ununacceptable breach of established norms and standards under regional and international human rights instruments to which Nigeria is a State party, and must be halted.
The coalition emphasised that investigative reports by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Peoples Gazette, and netizens using internet measurement tools revealed nationwide throttling of internet speed to slow down information dissemination.
“The weaponisation of Internet disruptions and blocking or shutdowns during political unrest only adds to citizens’ underlying concerns.
“The shutdowns violate Chapter 4 of Nigeria’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens’ rights to free conscience, expression, assembly, and association,”the coalition emphasised.
