Civil society organisations and civic actors operating in Nigeria's North-East are set to benefit from a new digital protection initiative following the launch of a Digital Civic Protection Toolkit aimed at improving online safety, cybersecurity awareness, and digital resilience across the region.
The project seeks to equip organisations with practical tools to protect themselves against growing digital threats.
The initiative was unveiled by the Open Knowledge Development Initiative (OKDI) during a workshop held in Tumfure, Gombe State, under the theme, "Co-Creation of a Digital Civic Protection Toolkit."
The programme forms part of the broader Digital Resilience and Protection for Civic Actors in Northeast Nigeria project, supported by CIVICUS through the Digital Democracy Initiative.
According to the Executive Director of OKDI and Project Lead, Adamu Usman-Garko, the toolkit is being developed to help civil society organisations, activists, and youth groups strengthen their digital security and respond effectively to online risks that continue to evolve alongside increased internet usage.
Usman-Garko explained that the toolkit will be produced in both English and Hausa to ensure wider accessibility across the North-East.
The bilingual approach is intended to make digital safety information easier to understand and apply for organisations working in different communities throughout the region.
He noted that while threats against civic organisations were once largely physical, many now face cyber risks including phishing attacks, online harassment, identity theft, surveillance, and attempts to compromise sensitive organisational information.
The toolkit is therefore expected to provide practical guidance on safeguarding digital platforms, protecting data, and improving online security practices.
The programme specifically targets 15 civil society organisations alongside youth groups and activists operating across North-East Nigeria.
Participants are expected to contribute to the design of the toolkit, ensuring that its recommendations reflect the realities and challenges experienced by organisations working within the region.
Beyond the toolkit itself, the project includes a comprehensive digital security assessment involving more than 100 organisations across the North-East.
Based on the assessment, OKDI plans to develop customised digital risk reports for selected organisations to help them better understand their vulnerabilities and improve their cybersecurity preparedness.
The initiative also includes digital security and wellbeing training scheduled for July, where representatives from participating organisations will receive practical instruction on cyber hygiene, secure communications, data protection, and digital wellbeing.
Organisers believe these sessions will help strengthen organisational resilience against emerging online threats.
Recognising that not every organisation can attend physical workshops, OKDI also plans to establish virtual security clinics that will provide remote support, guidance, and technical assistance to civic actors requiring help with digital protection measures.
In addition to direct engagement with organisations, the project incorporates a public awareness campaign using radio broadcasts to reach communities with limited internet access.
Organisers say radio remains one of the most effective communication channels for reaching hard-to-access populations across the North-East.
OKDI explained that the North-East was selected as the starting point because of the organisation's long-standing presence and operations within the region.
However, the long-term objective is to replicate the programme across other parts of Nigeria as additional funding and partnerships become available.
Digital rights advocates have increasingly warned that civil society organisations face growing cybersecurity challenges as more advocacy, documentation, communication, and public engagement activities move online.
Stronger digital protection measures are therefore becoming essential components of organisational resilience.
By combining technology, training, public education, and practical security guidance, the Digital Civic Protection Toolkit is expected to improve the ability of civic actors to operate safely in digital spaces while strengthening their capacity to continue serving communities across North-East Nigeria.