DIGITAL INEQUALITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE: ASSESSING INTERNET ACCESS AND DIGITAL RIGHTS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines digital inequality in Nigeria through a social justice and human rights perspective with particular focus on internet access and the protection of digital rights within the existing legal framework. It adopts the doctrinal legal analysis through the evaluation of constitutional provisions, statutory instruments and policies that are relevant to digital access and digital rights in Nigeria. This includes the constitutional rights to freedom of expression and privacy as well as the relevant legislation governing telecommunications and information technology. Also, the study focuses on the distributive justice theory to assess the normative foundations of digital inclusion. The analysis reveals that though Nigeria has made progress in expanding internet connectivity, there are significant disparities which are traceable to the absence of a comprehensive legal framework that recognises internet access as a right and the weak policy enforcement which limits the ability of existing measures in addressing digital inequality effectively. The consequence of these disparities is the exclusion of a large amount or significant portion of the population from participation in the digital economy and public sphere. The study concludes that digital inequality in Nigeria is a challenge to social justice with direct implications on the enjoyment of fundamental rights. It recommends the adoption of a coherent legal framework, strengthening of the process of implementation of policies and enhancement of judicial engagements to ensure equitable and inclusive digital access.