Addressing Online Hate Speech: Nigeria’s National Framework and Regulations (2020-2023)

Abstract

Sixty-three (63) years after independence, Nigeria has yet to recognize a national communication policy framework document that would serve as a foundation for both online and offline communication initiatives. This paper examines all four (4) drafts of the national communication policy framework in Nigeria to contextualise online hate speech within these documents. Drawing upon peace journalism theory, this qualitative content analysis reveals that there is a lack of robust legal frameworks for addressing online hate speech in all draft documents. Online hate speech is mentioned passively in the 3rd and 4th draft documents without any significant consideration for its implications on the potential escalation of national politics. Nigerian judicial system relies on global law reviews to adjudicate cases of online hate speech within the country. The study concludes that an effective framework for addressing online hate speech should be independently developed as part of the national communication policy and strategy documents established by the National Assembly, with the final draft recognized as a legally binding document in the country. The study also provides recommendations for strengthening the national communication policy and addressing the issue of online hate speech in Nigeria.