Spaces for Change has trained more than 40 civil society actors and journalists in Port Harcourt as part of a renewed push to strengthen digital security within Nigeria’s civic space amid growing online risks.
The organisation’s tech officer, Michael Itegbe, said the digital clinic was convened to help civic actors adapt to an environment where surveillance, data breaches and technology-facilitated attacks are increasingly common.
He said many activists still rely on outdated methods of protecting themselves despite the shift to digital platforms for communication, mobilisation and documentation.
Sessions at the clinic covered data protection, digital rights, cyber security, digital tools for advocacy and tech-facilitated gender-based violence, amongst othere.
Itegbe said the training was necessary as more journalists and activists are being tracked and targeted online without their knowledge, noting that the clinic provided practical guidance on identifying phishing attempts, malware and other online threats.
He expressed hope that participants would apply the lessons in their work and operate “in peace” with stronger digital safeguards.
Participants from various organisations hailed the initiative as timely, describing it as an essential intervention for groups confronting digital vulnerabilities.
Cynthia Okereke, Programme Manager at Together to Win Foundation for the Deprived, said the workshop broadened her understanding of digital human rights, cybercrime and the need for proper data handling.
She recounted a recent incident in which a community member secretly recorded her during a sensitisation meeting and shared the video online without consent. She said the experience underscored how easily privacy and safety can be breached in digital spaces.
“Before now, I only knew about data protection on the surface,” she said. “After this training, I understand the full implications. I had to return to the community to explain why taking and sharing people’s photos or videos without permission is unlawful.”
She added that the training also improved her knowledge of documenting and reporting digital rights violations, which she said is vital for supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
Tombari Dumka-Kote, Chief Operating Officer at the Centre for Justice, Empowerment and Development, said the clinic provided crucial guidance at a time of rising misinformation, cyberattacks and regulatory pressure on online speech.
He said many CSOs depend heavily on social media platforms, making it essential for staff to understand how to secure their data and guard against cybercriminals.
“With the increase in fake information, cybercrime and even clampdowns in the name of hate speech, this clinic was necessary,” he said. He added that he would step down the training to his staff to ensure organisational compliance and data safety.
Spaces for Change said the workshop forms part of its wider effort to strengthen digital resilience within Nigeria’s civic sector as online risks continue to evolve.
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