Nigerian lawyers interested in digital rights, public-interest litigation, and technology law now have the opportunity to build practical litigation skills through the Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Program. This is a professional development and capacity-building initiative by the Digicivic Initiative aimed at strengthening legal responses to digital rights violations in Nigeria.
The Digital Rights Litigation Surgery is a practice-oriented programme designed to equip Nigerian lawyers with the legal, strategic, and advocacy skills needed to advance digital rights litigation, protect civic space, and respond to technology-enabled human rights violations. Through hands-on training, case analysis, and post-programme engagement, DRLS seeks to build a strong network of lawyers committed to public-interest and pro bono digital rights work.
Programme Objectives
The DRLS Program aims to:
- Strengthen the capacity of lawyers to engage in strategic digital rights litigation in Nigeria
- Build practical skills for handling cases related to freedom of expression, civic space, data protection, and technology-related rights violations
- Expand a nationwide network of pro bono lawyers supporting digital rights protection and public-interest lawyering
Target Audience
The programme is open to Nigerian legal practitioners with an interest in:
- Digital rights and internet freedom
- Human rights and public-interest litigation
- Technology law, media law, and data protection
- Civic space protection and advocacy
Eligibility & Qualifications
Applicants must:
- Be qualified legal practitioners called to the Nigerian Bar
- Demonstrate interest or experience in digital rights, human rights, technology law, media law, data protection, or public-interest litigation
- Show a strong commitment to pro bono legal work and collaboration with civil society and affected communities
Participants’ Responsibilities
Selected participants will be expected to:
- Actively engage in training sessions, case-based discussions, and learning activities
- Commit time to post-training pro bono digital rights litigation or legal support, in collaboration with Digicivic Initiative
- Senior lawyers may be required to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, or supervision to early-career participants
Programme Benefits
Participants will receive:
- Practical training in digital rights litigation, strategic case development, and legal advocacy
- Exposure to real-world digital rights cases and emerging legal challenges in Nigeria
- Opportunities to engage with experienced digital rights litigators and civil society actors
- Inclusion in Digicivic Initiative’s growing network of digital rights lawyers and public-interest advocates
- Post-training opportunities for continued engagement in digital rights litigation and advocacy initiatives
Expected Outcomes
- Improved legal capacity to litigate and respond to digital rights violations
- Strengthened pro bono legal support for digital rights and civic space protection in Nigeria
- Enhanced collaboration between lawyers and civil society organisations on public-interest digital rights cases
Application Deadline
February 25, 2026 (11:59 PM WAT)
Apply for the Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Program
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