The Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (NIGF) was held in Abuja on September 25, 2012. Over 20 Internet stakeholders spoke at the event, including high-ranking members of public agencies and private business. Sponsors included the Federal Ministry of Communication Technology, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

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Discussion revolved around six main themes:

1. Access and Diversity
2. Security, Openness and Privacy
3. Managing Critical Internet Resources
4. Internet Governance for Development
5. Emerging Issues
6. Taking Stock and the Way Forward

An opening speech by Hon. Minister of Communications and Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson inspired the attendees to engage in fruitful discussion. Highlights from her remarks, titled “Consolidating Nigeria’s Position on the Global Internet Governance Forum 2012,” include:

• As of December 2011, an estimated 45 million Nigerians had used the internet at least once (compared with 200,000in the year 2000)
• There is a need to strengthen the sense of responsibility amongst users of the internet
• We need to ensure the benefits of the Internet outweigh the ability to cause harm

Visit the NIGF website for more information on future IGF events.