By Augustine Aminu
A two-day capacity-building workshop on Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) has opened in Abuja, bringing together journalists, civil society actors, lawyers, digital rights advocates and community leaders for intensive training scheduled for 9–8 December 2025.
The programme, funded by the European Union (EU), is part of a broader initiative to strengthen civic space, protect freedom of expression, and equip stakeholders with tools to identify, resist and counter SLAPPs—lawsuits often used to intimidate or silence individuals who speak on matters of public interest.
The training is being implemented by Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), in collaboration with the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) and Spaces for Change (S4C)—three organisations known for their strong advocacy in human rights, digital justice, civic freedoms and rule of law.
Declaring the workshop open, Country Director, ASF France in Nigeria, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu of the implementing partners emphasised that SLAPPs pose a growing threat to democratic engagement in Nigeria and across the region, as powerful individuals and institutions increasingly resort to litigation to suppress public criticism, investigative journalism and community activism.
Uzoma-Iwuchukwu noted that empowering participants with legal knowledge, response strategies and early-warning tools will help ensure that citizens can continue to speak freely without fear of punitive legal harassment.
She equally reiterated their commitment to safeguarding civic freedoms, stressing that the Union will continue to support programmes that promote transparency, accountability and public participation.
“Over the two days, participants will engage in sessions on understanding SLAPP patterns, comparative international practices, digital rights implications, and practical defence mechanisms for individuals and organisations targeted by such lawsuits”.
“The workshop is expected to strengthen national advocacy efforts against SLAPPs and contribute to wider reforms aimed at protecting Nigeria’s civic space”.
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