Beyond the law: Toward alternative methods of hate speech interventions in Nigeria

Abstract

Effective and rights-respecting hate speech interventions should encourage cohesion more than hate and inclusion more than division. Importantly, they should also guarantee the right to be and to express. Unfortunately, most countries, including Nigeria, lack effective hate speech interventions. This chapter considers specific ways to make hate speech interventions in Nigeria more effective while guaranteeing the protection of the right to freedom of expression, especially in the digital age. Thus, this chapter considers international human rights law and ideas on hate speech interventions, various hate speech interventions in Nigeria, and Nigeria’s obligation to comply with international human rights instruments to achieve better results. It concludes that one of the best ways to ensure these interventions’ effectiveness is combining alternative methods, such as strategic training, education, public awareness, and a multistakeholder approach.