Nigeria Internet Governance Forum

The Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) is a forum set up to bring together stakeholder to discuss issues related to broad band usage, and it is hoped that their recommendation will be used to drive policy formulation as it concerns internet broadband usage in Nigeria.

The forum was first held pinultimate Tuesday, September 25, 2012 with the theme: “Internet Governance for Sustainable Human, Economic and Social Development" in line with the theme of the Internet Governance Forum (the global forum IGF) 2012., while the second one was held Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Central Business District in the FCT, with the theme: ‘Internet Governance for Empowerment, National Integration & Security through Multi-stakeholders’ Engagement.’

High point of 2012 forum

1. It was inugurated by the Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson with praise for the the organizers
2. The Convener, Mrs. Mary Uduma highlighted the key role the forum would play in bringing about strategic national debate on internet governance in Nigeria.
3. The dialogue and presentations were sub divided into planery sessions  as follows:

• Access & Diversity (AD)


• Internet Governance for Development (IG4D)


• Security, Openness & Privacy (SOP)


• Managing Critical Internet Resource (MCIR)


• Emerging Issues (EI)


• . And Taking Stock & Way Forward.

High points of 2013 forum

1. Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, said that the event calls for the creation of a Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Teams (CERT) and to ensure that 48 million ihternet users and an additional nine million joining each year are empowered, integrated, and secured in their use of the Internet.

2. They called for more secure internet governance in the country which will raise the

confidence of both local and international users on the safety of Nigeria cyber space.

3. The participants were of the view that when the Nigerian internet governance system is

made more secure and users’ protection guaranteed, the economy will be better for it.

4. Engr. Ernest Ndukwe, who was the Chairman of the event spoke of the need for a law that would protect ICT infrastructure and users from online attackers.

5. Engr. Eugene Juwah, The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC said a developing nations needs an unhindered access to the internet to be able to participate in all spheres of life globally. He also reported that the document produce by the forum recieve presidential approval.
6. Telekom operators also use the forum to point out challenges common to them in the industry as:

• High cost of rights of way, resulting in the high cost of lease and transmission


• Long delays in obtaining permits, backhaul capacity constraints, multiple regulation and taxation at federal, state and local government levels


• Damage to fibre infrastructure during road works


• Lack of reliable public electricity supply


• Lack of major green energy initiatives and supports.

It is expected that this forum would translate into meaning and better internet usage experience for Nigerian.

Ref: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/juwah-lists-gains-of-approved-broadband-policy/

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