The Digicivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Program 2026 for Nigerian Lawyers – Applications Open

Application Deadline: February 25, 2026

About the Program

Applications are now open for the 2026 Digital Rights Litigation Surgery (DRLS) Program. The Digicivic Initiative invites qualified legal practitioners to apply for this professional development and capacity-building programme, specifically designed to strengthen legal responses to digital rights violations occurring within Nigeria.

The Digital Rights Litigation Surgery is a practice-oriented programme that equips participating lawyers with the essential legal, strategic, and advocacy skills required to advance digital rights litigation, protect civic space, defend freedom of expression, ensure robust data protection, and address technology-related human rights concerns. Through hands-on learning experiences, detailed case analysis, and sustained post-training engagement, the programme seeks to cultivate a dedicated pool of lawyers committed to public-interest and pro bono digital rights work.

Primary Purpose

• To strengthen the capacity of lawyers to engage in strategic digital rights litigation and legal advocacy across Nigeria
• To build practical skills in handling cases related to freedom of expression, civic space protection, data privacy, and technology-enabled rights violations
• To expand and consolidate a network of pro bono lawyers actively supporting digital rights protection and public-interest lawyering

Geographic Focus: Nigeria

Target Audience: The programme welcomes legal practitioners who demonstrate genuine interest in digital rights, public-interest litigation, technology law, or civic space protection.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the following requirements:

• Be qualified legal practitioners duly called to the Nigerian Bar
• Demonstrate clear interest or experience in digital rights, human rights, technology law, media law, data protection, or public-interest litigation
• Exhibit strong commitment to pro bono legal work and collaborative engagement with civil society organizations and affected communities

Participants’ Responsibilities

Selected participants will be expected to:

• Actively engage in all training sessions, case-based discussions, and assigned learning activities
• Commit meaningful time to post-training pro bono digital rights litigation or legal support, delivered in collaboration with the Digicivic Initiative
• Senior lawyers may additionally be required to provide mentorship, strategic guidance, or supervision support to early-stage participants

Programme Benefits

Participants will gain access to:

• Practical training focused on digital rights litigation, strategic case development, and effective legal advocacy
• Exposure to real-world digital rights cases and emerging legal challenges currently shaping Nigeria’s technology landscape
• Opportunities to engage directly with experienced digital rights practitioners, seasoned litigators, and active civil society actors
• Inclusion in the Digicivic Initiative’s growing network of digital rights lawyers and public-interest advocates
• Post-training opportunities for continued engagement in digital rights litigation and advocacy initiatives

Outcome

The programme aims to achieve:

• Improved capacity of Nigerian lawyers to litigate and respond effectively to digital rights violations
• Strengthened pro bono legal support infrastructure for digital rights and civic space protection throughout Nigeria
• Expanded collaboration between legal practitioners and civil society organizations on public-interest digital rights cases

Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official Webpage of the Digicivic Initiative Digital Rights Litigation Surgery Program