Deadline: February 25, 2026
The DigiCivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Programme 2026 is a specialised professional development and capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen the ability of Nigerian legal practitioners to promote and defend digital rights and civic freedoms.
Organised by the DigiCivic Initiative, this programme focuses on equipping lawyers with the practical skills and strategic tools necessary for effective digital rights litigation and advocacy within Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
The Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Programme 2026 will cover key issues such as freedom of expression online, data protection, civic space protection, technology-enabled rights violations, and public-interest litigation. It aims to nurture a network of skilled advocates ready to safeguard citizens’ rights in the digital age.
Objectives of the Programme
The DRLS Programme seeks to:
- Enhance the knowledge and capacity of lawyers in digital rights and technology-related legal issues.
- Strengthen advocacy and litigation skills for defending online civic freedoms.
- Build a sustainable network of legal professionals committed to strategic digital rights litigation in Nigeria.
- Promote collaboration between legal practitioners, civil society organisations, and digital rights advocates.
Who Can Apply
The DigiCivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Programme 2026 is open to:
- Qualified legal practitioners who have been called to the Nigerian Bar.
- Lawyers with demonstrated interest or experience in digital rights, human rights, technology law, media law, data protection, or public-interest litigation.
- Practitioners committed to pro-bono legal work and collaboration with civil society organisations on digital rights issues.
Applicants should be passionate about protecting civic freedoms and advancing human rights in digital spaces.
What Participants Will Gain
Successful applicants will benefit from:
- Hands-on training in digital rights litigation and advocacy strategies.
- Practical exposure to case analysis, legal drafting, and strategic litigation approaches for technology-related cases.
- Expert mentorship and engagement with experienced digital rights practitioners.
- Networking opportunities with peers and leading voices in digital rights and human rights law.
- Opportunities for post-training pro-bono collaboration through the DigiCivic Initiative’s network.
Programme Details
- Application Deadline: 25 February 2025 (11:59 PM WAT)
- Location: Nigeria (participants must be resident in or actively practising within Nigeria)
- Organiser: DigiCivic Initiative
About the DigiCivic Initiative
The DigiCivic Initiative is a Nigerian organisation dedicated to advancing digital rights and civic freedoms across Africa. Its mission centres on promoting freedom of expression, data privacy, and access to information while fostering a safe, open, and inclusive digital environment.
Through advocacy, education, research, and strategic litigation, DigiCivic Initiative empowers legal practitioners and civil society actors to challenge violations of digital and civic rights and strengthen Nigeria’s digital justice ecosystem.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications before the deadline.
📘 Read more about the programme
Contact us for proposal drafting, refining, and review.
