Lagos: Mr Gbenga Sesan, the Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative (PIN), has advocated for the independence of the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) to enhance the effective implementation of rural telephony projects. Sesan made this appeal during a news conference organized by Paradigm Initiative to discuss digital rights and inclusion issues across the continent.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Sesan highlighted several challenges facing the USPF, including its failure to submit reports since 2021, which underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in its management. He emphasized the critical role the USPF plays in advancing rural telephony, drawing on the example of Benin Republic, where the Fund successfully ran cables from the south to the north to provide last mile access to citizens.
The USPF, established by the Federal Government, was designed to help achieve national policy goals for universal access to Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in rural,
unserved, and underserved areas. The Fund is dedicated to creating an environment where all Nigerians, regardless of their demographic, social, or economic status, can access quality and affordable ICT services.
Sesan urged for the USPF to be independent and self-sufficient, which would allow it to carry out projects more effectively. He identified politics and backsliding as significant obstacles hindering the Fund’s progress. In discussing internet penetration, Sesan pointed out that growth remains sluggish due to inadequate infrastructure, and he called for better policy implementation to address these challenges.
On digital platforms, he noted that the demonisation of applications is a major impediment to digital inclusion. Sesan stressed that while digital platforms have enhanced citizens’ lives, there is an urgent need to tackle the challenges within the digital space, including internet disruptions, digital rights undermining, data breaches, surveillance, and censorship.
Sesan also underscored the i
mportance of digital literacy and online safety training, especially for citizens in rural areas. He highlighted Paradigm Initiative’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights, advocating for the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to enforce data protection laws effectively. However, he expressed concern over the NDPC’s lack of independence and zero budget allocation for 2024, which could impede its ability to fulfill its mandate.
The PIN Executive Director stressed that the NDPC’s independence and adequate funding are vital for regulating data protection in Nigeria and safeguarding citizens’ personal data. Sesan also called for collaboration among stakeholders to promote digital inclusion and protect citizens’ online rights.
Reflecting on significant milestones, Sesan noted that Paradigm Initiative spearheaded the initial draft of a pioneering digital rights law in Africa. The organization has supported parliamentarians in Malawi, South Sudan, and Tanzania in their e
fforts to enact robust data protection laws. Through strategic litigation, Paradigm Initiative has secured court rulings addressing issues with the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act of 2015. The organization also promotes digital literacy and online safety through various programs and initiatives, including the LIFE programme, which trains young people in digital skills across 11 African countries. Additionally, PIN has developed toolkits such as RIPOTI and AYETA to empower citizens to report rights violations and stay safe online.