In many parts of Nigeria like Abuja, Benue, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, and Nasarawa, people were going online every day without knowing their rights or how to stay safe. From using public Wi-Fi without protection to unknowingly sharing personal information, risky digital practices were common. Many felt helpless and unsure of what to do when their digital rights were violated.

Given this challenge, Accountability Lab Nigeria launched a radio program tagged ”Voices of the Community” in these states focused on digital rights and data protection. The goal was simple: help people understand their rights online and give them a voice. The show became a space where everyday people shared their experiences, stories of being exploited, ignored, or misinformed and learned how to protect themselves.

And it started making a difference.

Listeners began taking action. Some updated their privacy settings. Others started being more careful with passwords. Many stopped using unsecured public Wi-Fi altogether.

“I have been avoiding using public Wi-Fi intentionally to stay on the safe side,” Ibrahim, a listener from Kano shared.

One listener even felt supported enough to ask his healthcare provider how his personal data was being handled; something he didn’t know he had the right to do. In Nasarawa state, another listener raised concerns about a mobile provider’s failure to inform users about service disruptions, calling it a violation of consumer rights.

But the impact didn’t stop there.

People who would’ve stayed quiet before are now using the Ripoti platform to report digital rights violations. They’re not just aware, they’re asking questions.

“Thanks to the show, I now know where to turn and feel confident reporting any digital rights issues I encounter. I feel supported learning of the Ripoti platform,” Roji, a listener from Plateau state shared.

In a country where citizen’s voices are often ignored or go unheard, AL Nigeria’s radio show is showing something real: when you give people the right information and simple tools to take action, they actually do. We are committed to supporting more citizens; to have them move from being docile to active citizens and getting involved in governance.