Nigeria’s government is increasingly leveraging digital technology not only for development but also as a tool for repression, according to a researcher studying digital authoritarianism. This shift became particularly visible in the aftermath of the 2020 #EndSARS protests, when young Nigerians used social media platforms to organize, mobilize, and amplify their voices against police brutality. In response, the state began to tighten its control over digital spaces, employing surveillance, internet restrictions, and regulatory crackdowns to suppress dissent and limit civic engagement.
One of the most striking examples was the suspension of Twitter in 2021, following the platform’s removal of a tweet by the president. This move disrupted communication channels for millions and sent a clear message to activists, journalists, and civil society groups about the government’s willingness to silence opposition in the digital realm. The researcher notes that such actions are emblematic of digital authoritarianism, a growing global trend where governments use technology to monitor citizens, manipulate information, and curtail freedoms under the guise of national security or public order.
Beyond social media restrictions, Nigeria has invested in surveillance infrastructure, including facial recognition systems and expansive data collection tools. These technologies are often deployed without transparent legal frameworks or oversight, raising serious concerns about privacy and human rights. Activists and journalists have reported being tracked or intimidated, with digital footprints used to identify and target critics. The lack of accountability in how these tools are used further exacerbates the risks, especially in a political climate where democratic institutions are under strain.
The researcher emphasizes that while digital tools can empower citizens and enhance governance, they also carry the potential for abuse when wielded without checks and balances. In Nigeria’s case, the digital space, once a haven for free expression and civic participation, is increasingly becoming a battleground for control. The study calls for stronger protections of digital rights, independent oversight of surveillance practices, and greater public awareness of how online freedoms are being eroded. It also urges international tech companies and civil society organizations to take a more active role in defending digital liberties, warning that the future of democracy in Nigeria may hinge on the ability to safeguard its digital frontiers.