Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming businesses and economic activities worldwide through its capacity to mimic or replicate human-like intelligence. With the growing potential of AI, many countries are adopting various strategies to become AI-ready. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) analysis published in 2017, AI is expected to contribute about $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. AI readiness involves the capacity of a country or organisation to use AI technologies to effectively drive economic growth, social development, and overall welfare. However, AI readiness is still challenging in many African countries due to limited AI-supportive facilities and infrastructure. The availability of reliable electricity, poor internet connectivity, and computing power are vital tools for AI development, but many African countries still need to improve in these areas. It is, however, essential to note that a country's readiness for AI is not simply a question of preparing to buy and install new technologies. The transformative nature of AI typically calls for preparation across multiple critical areas. To capture AI's potential to create value, governments and organisations need to retool and rework their existing processes, upskill or hire key talents, refine approaches toward partnership, and develop the necessary data and technical infrastructure to deploy these advanced technologies. There are fundamental AI readiness pillars that need to be put in place by governments and organisations to enhance and create a conducive environment for AI to thrive.

Fundamental Pillars for AI Readiness

According to Oxford Insight (2021), the AI readiness of a nation anchors on three main pillars that capture and show a country's government's readiness to implement AI in public service delivery and support innovation in the private sector. These fundamental pillars include:

1. The Technology Sector Pillar: The technology sector of a country plays a crucial role in implementing AI strategies as the government depends on a good supply of AI tools from its technology sector, which needs to be competitive and dynamic in size. This sector should have high innovation capacity, underpinned by a business environment that supports entrepreneurship and a good flow of Research and Development (R&D) spending. In addition, the skills and education of the people working in this sector are critical as the level and quality of human capital will determine AI productivity level.

2. The Data and Infrastructure Pillar: A country's infrastructure and data capacity goes a long way in determining its AI readiness. AI tools require lots of high-quality available data, which should represent all citizens within a given country (data representativeness) to avoid bias and error. Hence, to achieve this data potential, necessary infrastructure must be in place to power AI tools and deliver them to citizens.

3. The Government Pillar: This is the most important as the other pillars become dormant without a government's interest and desire to use AI for transformative purposes. The government should have a strategic vision for developing and managing AI, supported by appropriate regulation and attention to ethical problems (governance & ethics). Furthermore, it must have a robust internal digital capacity, including the skills and practices that support its adaptability in the face of new technologies.

Figure 1: Pillars and Dimensions of AI Readiness

Global AI Readiness Ranking

In its 'Government AI Readiness Index 2022' report, Oxford Insights ranked 181 countries by how prepared their governments are to use AI in public services. The USA tops the rankings with a score of 85.72, followed by Singapore with an index of 84.12 and the United Kingdom in third with an index of 78.54. These countries scored far above the world's average score of 44.61 out of 100. The global interest in AI comes amid a broader turn to digital government, further accelerated by the COVID-19 mitigation strategy that emphasized more on digital interaction.

However, best practices in AI strategies remain concentrated in countries in the global north, demonstrating a deepening divide in global AI readiness. Countries in the global south, particularly in Africa, need to catch up. The Sub-Saharan Africa region's average score in the ‘2022 AI Readiness Index' was 29.38, the lowest globally, with many African countries at the lower end of the ranking spectrum. Regionally, Mauritius ranked first with an index score of 53.38, followed by South Africa (47.74) in second place and Kenya (40.36) in third place. The three countries within the Sub-Saharan African region with the least AI readiness index are Eritrea, the Central African Republic, and South Sudan, each having an index of 20.17, 19.90, and 19.45, respectively. Many African countries are still lagging as they have insufficient capacity and have not put in place the fundamental pillars necessary to embrace the world of AI.

Figure 2: AI Readiness Index in Sub-Saharan African Region

Challenges of AI Readiness in Africa

There are several challenges facing the adoption and implementation of AI in Africa. These challenges include:

1. Limited Digital Infrastructure: Many African countries lack the digital infrastructure to support AI development. For example, Internet penetration within Africa is low and was estimated at 28% in 2019. This sore state of internet penetration across Africa is due to infrastructure issues associated with the lack of access to electricity and low investment into internet infrastructure such as fibre-optic cables, cell towers, and base stations. The World Bank estimates that about 100 million Africans living in remote regions are inaccessible to mobile cellular networks and would require an investment of at least $100 billion to provide access to this marginalised group of individuals. Hence, digital infrastructural limitations in Africa affect the adoption and implementation of AI development within the continent.
2. Lack of Quality Data: The need for more quality data is significant for AI development in Africa. African data ecosystems are still in the early stages of the African data revolution. Many African countries need more data collection mechanisms and more data governance frameworks, which result in better data quality. A few intricate algorithms are used to construct AI systems, and to train these algorithms, data is used. There is a data shortage in Africa and the majority of data collected does not accurately reflect the continent's experience. This shortage raises the possibility that many algorithms may not be properly tailored to the characteristics of local inhabitants. Since AI can only function with data, a dearth of high-quality data is a drawback. In its absence, creating and implementing AI solutions would undoubtedly be harder.
3. Ethical and Legal Considerations: There are widespread ethical and legal issues relating to AI in Africa. These issues revolve around the regulatory frameworks that impact the creation and application of AI technology required in Africa. Ethical and legal considerations relating to AI centre around safety and transparency, informed consent to use data, algorithmic fairness and biases, and data privacy. Hence, the need for clear regulations and guidelines for AI development in Africa creates uncertainties and limits innovation.
4. High Cost and Skill Shortage: The cost of AI technologies, both hardware and software, is still high in many African countries, making it challenging to leverage AI technologies fully. More so, the shortage of skilled professionals in AI in Africa is because many countries in the region suffer from a shortage of AI specialists. For example, according to Rwanda's Minister of State for Information and Communications Technology, there are only about 10 AI engineers in the country. Research also shows that there needs to be more trained AI specialists in Ethiopia, and this is the case for many other African countries.  In addition, African countries still need more education and training programs to develop the skills and expertise for AI development.

Looking Ahead: The Way Forward for African Countries

To address the challenges affecting AI readiness in Africa, it is crucial for countries within the region to leverage education to narrow the skill gap by adjusting educational curriculums to make them more technically oriented. Integrating AI training models at all levels of the education system would foster capacity building and talent development and encourage AI initiatives across sectors.

Moreover, investments in digital infrastructures like data centres, clouds, etc., would help develop a more AI-friendly digital economy. Additionally, public-private partnerships with tech giants and foreign start-ups accelerate infrastructural development.

Furthermore, supporting local tech companies through collaboration and investments will help empower organisations with the relevant skills and abilities needed to drive business innovations and AI strategies. In addition, lowering barriers to entry for tech companies would ensure that African countries have robust hubs of AI excellence.

It is also essential to emphasise the need for good data governance in improving public service delivery and output tailored to the needs of Africa’s transforming population. Consequently, creating a solid data collection mechanism to aid the acquisition of reliable data, establishing systems to recognise and prevent AI bias, and promoting fairness and transparency would help to change the current dynamics faced by many African countries.

Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right. Nonetheless, it remains a challenge for millions worldwide, with approximately 2 billion people still lacking access to safely managed drinking water services as of 2020, and an estimated  4.2 billion people lack access to safe sanitation facilities (Sustainable Development Goals Report, 2022).

This crisis severely affects people's health, well-being, and economic productivity. The lack of safe water and sanitation leads to waterborne diseases, such as cholera, diarrhoea, and typhoid fever, which cause millions of deaths yearly, especially among children under five (WHO, 2022). Additionally, women and girls are disproportionately affected by the water and sanitation crisis as they spend hours each day collecting water, leaving them little time for education, work, or other activities. Moreover, inadequate sanitation facilities expose women and girls to violence, harassment, and sexual assault (UN, 2022). On the other hand, access to clean water is critical for agriculture, industry, and household use.

The water and sanitation crisis has a significant impact on economic development as well. People who lack access to safe water and sanitation facilities often cannot work or attend school due to illness, which limits their productivity and economic potential (Water.org, 2022). Additionally, the cost of treating waterborne diseases significantly strains individuals, families, and healthcare systems. Furthermore, the water and sanitation crisis perpetuate the cycle of poverty. It disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, such as the poor, marginalised, and rural communities, often excluded from basic services and infrastructure (Water.org, 2022).

The global water crisis has reached a critical point, and urgent action is needed to address the challenges faced by communities and nations around the World. This article provides insights on the water and sanitation crisis in Nigeria, with a focus on the recurring issue of flooding, poor water management, inadequate access to water and sanitation facilities, measures to tackle this menace so far, and the strategies to accelerate change in Nigeria’s water crisis.

Each year on March 22nd, World Water Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of water and the need for sustainable management of water resources. The 2023 World Water Day theme is "Accelerating Change," which highlights the urgency of taking action to address the global water crisis. World Water Day 2023 is to call for accelerated change and collective action to ensure access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation for all.

The Water and Sanitation Crisis in Nigeria: An Insight

Nigeria is facing a severe water and sanitation crisis affecting millions of people in urban and rural areas. Flooding, poor water management, water scarcity, and a lack of access to sanitation facilities are widespread and have significant public health and economic implications.

The recurring issue of flooding is one of Nigeria's most pressing water-related challenges. Widespread flooding has affected over 3.2 million people in Nigeria, resulting in over 600 fatalities and displacing over 1.4 million people. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the floods have affected 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states,   destroying or damaging over 569,000 hectares of farmland and exacerbating the country’s alarming food insecurity. Flooding not only worsens the existing water and sanitation crisis in the country, but it also causes significant damage to infrastructure, property, and crops, resulting in  economic losses and long-term negative impacts on livelihoods.

The geography and topography of Nigeria contribute significantly to the frequency and severity of flooding in the country. Nigeria is a low-lying area with numerous rivers, streams, and lakes, and its coastal regions are particularly vulnerable to flooding during the rainy season. Furthermore, factors such as poor urban planning, inadequate drainage systems, deforestation, land-use changes, and the construction of dams and reservoirs have exacerbated the adverse effects of flooding in Nigeria.

Figure 1: Frequency of Major Flood Occurrences Between 2011–2020, by Geopolitical Zone in Nigeria

Source: Data compiled from Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters

The impact of flooding on water and sanitation infrastructure is particularly alarming as it causes water contamination and damage to sanitation facilities, resulting in the spread of water-borne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhoea. The situation is particularly dire in urban areas, where access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is already scarce.

There is also an issue of inadequate access, and poor water management. Inadequate access to water, and poor water management practices majorly contribute to Nigeria’s water and sanitation crisis. According to the World Bank, approximately 70 million Nigerians do not have  access to safe drinking water, and 114 million do not have access to basic sanitation facilities. While evidence has also shown that water sources are frequently polluted with hazardous substances such as industrial pollutants, human and animal waste, and other contaminants, posing substantial health risks to those who consume or use the water (CDC, 2018).

Figure 2: Map illustrating various environmental issues and their corresponding locations in Nigeria

Source: Pona, Xiaoli, Ayantobo, & Tetteh, (2021).

The lack of water and sanitation infrastructure investment is a major contributor to poor water management. Nigeria's water and sanitation infrastructure is outdated and inadequate, with no infrastructure in many areas. As a result, only a small percentage of the population has access to clean and safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Additionally, pollution of water sources due to inadequate waste disposal and industrial practices is a major issue in Nigeria. This pollution makes it challenging to obtain clean and safe water for drinking, and it has a detrimental effect on the environment and health of the people who depend on these water sources.

Nigeria faces a significant water scarcity challenge despite having abundant water resources - more than 215 cubic kilometres of available surface water per year. This issue is due to poor water management practices and inadequate infrastructure, which renders most water resources unfit for human consumption. The average Nigerian consumes only 9 litres of water per day, which falls below the national acceptable minimum standards of 12 to 16 litres per day. According to the World Resources Institute (WRI), Nigeria's per capita water availability has decreased, exacerbating the scarcity challenge.

This decrease in water availability results from rapid population growth, urbanisation, and industrialisation. all of which have exerted significant pressure on the country's water resources. As a result, water sources have been depleted and polluted, leading to the current scarcity situation.

Measures Implemented to Tackle Nigeria's Water Crisis

The Nigerian government has been taking significant steps to address the water and sanitation crisis in the country. In 2000, the government implemented the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. The National Action Plan on Water Supply and Sanitation, launched in 2012, also provides a framework for addressing the water crisis in the country. The recent National Development Plan 2021-2025 has set a goal of achieving all access to water and sanitation by 2030 and ending open defecation by 2025 in compliance with SDGs 6.1 and 6.2.

To achieve these goals, the Nigerian government plans to invest an estimated 1.60 trillion naira over the next five years to extend water supply access and improve sanitation services to 90 per cent of the population. The government also launched the Clean Nigeria Campaign in 2018 to eradicate open defecation, committing ₦10 billion to these programs in 2019. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the allocation for these plans was only ₦12 million in the 2020 budget and N60.9 million in 2022.

In 2021, the government implemented various measures to enhance access to water and sanitation, including creating more than 2,300 Water Points and constructing 6,546 hygiene facilities and sanitation compartments in different parts of the nation. Individual and collective efforts at the community level have also contributed to improving access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. Many Nigerians have taken it upon themselves to provide clean water to their communities by digging wells, constructing water tanks, and other similar initiatives.

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have also played a critical role in addressing the water crisis in Nigeria. Several CSOs are working to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to underserved communities in the country. These organisations have also advocated for policy reforms and increased investment in the water sector. Overall, while progress has been made, much work is still needed to ensure access to safe drinking water and sanitation for all Nigerians.

However, despite the efforts of the Nigerian government to address the water and sanitation crisis in the country, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed. One of the major defects is the inadequate budget allocation and funding for water and sanitation infrastructure. For instance, the budget allocation to water and sanitation infrastructure development in Nigeria has been below the international requirement of 2 percent (see figure 3A). Although the government has set a goal of investing 1.60 trillion naira over the next five years to extend water supply access and improve sanitation services to 90% of the population, the allocation for these plans in the 2020 budget was only ₦12 million due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This indicates a lack of commitment to addressing the water and sanitation crisis. Additionally, there is a lack of coordination between the different tiers of government in the implementation of water and sanitation programs, resulting in duplication of efforts and inefficiencies. Corruption and mismanagement of funds have also been identified as major challenges that undermine the effectiveness of water and sanitation interventions in Nigeria (NIH, 2018). Therefore, sustained efforts are required to address these challenges and ensure that access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities is available for all Nigerians.

Strategies for Accelerating Change in Nigeria's Water Crisis

The role of individuals and communities: Individuals and communities play a crucial role in accelerating change toward a water-secure world. Individuals can take small but impactful actions, such as conserving water, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable water management practices. Communities can also play a role in improving access to safe water and sanitation facilities through the establishment of community-led initiatives, such as water committees or community-based organisations. Furthermore, individuals and communities can advocate for policy changes that prioritise sustainable water management practices and ensure that vulnerable populations can access safe water and sanitation facilities.

The need for investment in water and sanitation infrastructure: Investment in water and sanitation infrastructure is crucial to accelerating change towards a water-secure world. This investment includes building and upgrading water treatment plants, distribution systems, and sanitation facilities. Investment in water and sanitation infrastructure is also essential for ensuring access to safe water and sanitation facilities for vulnerable populations, such as the poor, marginalised, and rural communities. For instance, the share of budget to the Ministry of water resource over the last ten years has been below 2 percent (see figure 3A), indicating its inadequacy. Furthermore, according to an OECD report 2022, to achieve universal access to safely managed water supply and sanitation for all, it is recommended that countries allocate 1 -2% of their GDP towards the development of water supply and sanitation infrastructure from 2015 to 2030, however, the share of GDP to water supply and sanitation infrastructure in Nigeria has been below 1 percent overtime (see figure 3B).  Governments, international organisations, and private sector actors must invest in water and sanitation infrastructure to ensure everyone can access safe and sustainable water and sanitation.

The importance of education and awareness: Education and awareness are critical to accelerating change towards a water-secure world. This includes educating individuals and communities about water conservation, sustainable water management practices, and the health risks associated with the lack of safe water and sanitation facilities. Education and awareness campaigns can also help change behaviours and attitudes towards water and sanitation, leading to more sustainable and equitable use of water resources.

The need for international cooperation and collaboration: International cooperation and collaboration are essential to accelerating change towards a water-secure world. The collaboration between governments, international organisations, civil society, and the private sector to promote sustainable water management practices, build and upgrade water and sanitation infrastructure, and ensure access to safe water and sanitation facilities for all. Furthermore, international cooperation and collaboration can help address the root causes of the water and sanitation crisis, such as climate change and pollution, which require a collective effort to address.

Modern development has placed digital technologies at the forefront, giving economies a chance to hasten economic expansion and ease the connection of people to services and employment. The contribution of the service sector continues to grow in most economies and at a faster rate in low and middle-income countries, with digitalization as a driving force. The Nigerian economy is on course as information & communication technology (ICT), and the digital economy contributed  18.44 percent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q2 of 2022.  

To take advantage of the gains of the growth in the digital economy, the naira redesign policy, the naira swap programme, and the cashless policy deepened the use of digital means in Nigeria. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), through its mandate of maintaining Nigeria’s external reserves, safeguarding the international value of the naira, promoting and maintaining monetary stability, and a sound and efficient financial system, introduced a policy that resulted in a makeover of the currency. Included in this were ancillary directives that aimed to promote the digitization of transactions and facilitate the measure and control of the money supply. Hence, the reflection on what the naira redesign policy by the Apex bank reveals about the state of digitization in Nigeria.

Objectives of the CBN’s Naira Redesign Policy

In fulfilling its mandate, the Apex bank of Nigeria rolled out the policy to redesign the denomination of the N200, N500, and N1,000-naira notes to achieve specific objectives. The stated objectives of the policy is aimed at addressing identified economic challenges in the country and are in line with the provisions of Section 2b, section 18a, and section 19, subsections a & b of the CBN Act, 2007. The control of money in circulation is one of the objectives behind the naira redesign policy. According to the CBN, as of September 2022, N2.73 trillion of the N3.23 trillion of currency in circulation was held outside the safe deposit boxes of commercial banks in Nigeria (85% of the country's total money supply). These funds are held by the populace for several reasons, including traditional piggy banks, cash hoarding, instances of counterfeit money, fraud, and more.

Implications of Naira Redesign on the State of Digitalization in Nigeria

Increased Pressure on the Digital Infrastructure: The paucity of the new naira notes mounted unprecedented pressure on digital alternatives for transactions in Nigeria. The demand for cash far outstrips the supply of naira notes, as over N1 trillion worth of old notes has been mopped up from the Nigerian economy as of December 2022. Also contributing to this gap is the limited supply of new notes by the CBN through commercial banks and POS operators. Due to the scarcity of naira notes, commercial bank depositors and POS customers were forced to pay 10 to 40 percent premiums to complete cash withdrawals.  The daily limits on cash withdrawals imposed by the CBN also increased dependence on digital channels to facilitate effective demand. Other factors influencing the state of digitalization due to the naira redesign policy include:

• The digital infrastructure of banks in their present state seems incapable of handling the sharp increase in transaction volume. Due to the unreliable nature of digital services, digital transfers can take up to 48 hours, while customers with failed transactions are given ten working days before their cases can be resolved. Following the high volume of failed transactions and the influx of complaints from bank customers, many banks increased staffing in customer service functions in order to meet the increase in complaints from irate customers and mobilize information technology (IT) departments. The brain drain of valuable IT support staff for more rewarding opportunities abroad contributes to the digital scalability constraints faced by the commercial banks in Nigeria.
• Telecommunication services are an indispensable component of critical infrastructure in the digital economy. Despite its importance, telecoms are losing liquidity, as banks remain indebted to them to the tune of an estimated ₦80 billion in unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) fees as of November 2022. This marks a significant increase in commercial bank debt to telecoms from ₦42 billion in March 2021. This trend may jeopardize USSD services, which will have a significant impact on the execution of financial services and transactions. Furthermore, it hinders the actualization of the CBN’s cashless policy, as USSD services are used to facilitate financial services and transactions, particularly to the underserved and financially excluded who have unreliable internet connectivity.

Security of Digital Infrastructure: Over 50,000 cases of major harm to telecom infrastructure and facilities were reported nationwide in the five years leading up to 2021. The security of telecommunication infrastructures has an impact on user experience, accessibility, and affordability of digital services. However, legislation is necessary to safeguard the country's infrastructure and is currently being developed.

Migration of Customers from Traditional Banks to Financial Technology Companies: Due to the CBN's naira redesign policy's influence on digitalization, the constraint to commercial banks’ technological scalability is a demerit, leaving depositors to rely on financial technology firms for financial services. Depositors should not be burdened by arbitrary and multi-layered changes because some digital banks offer unlimited free transfers, instant but expensive uncollateralized loans, allow their customers at least 30 free transfers per month, and provide saving options for depositors with excess funds that can earn close to 20 percent interest rate. Although Nigerian youth are the dominant users of financial technology services,  millions of people from other demographics are becoming more tech-savvy and opting for financial services offered by technology-enabled companies. The benefits of  encouraging this trend include a more-reliable alternative to completing electronic transactions and avoiding the lethargy in resolving related issues that is common among conventional banks.

Minimal Digital Services in the Informal Sector of the Nigerian Economy: In Nigeria, the financial inclusion rate was 64 percent as of April 2022, implying that 34 percent of the population did not have access to financial services such as payments, savings, credit, and insurance. The informal sector is characterized by small or ill-defined workplaces, hazardous and unhealthy working conditions, lack of regulation, low skill, and productivity levels, low or inconsistent incomes, lengthy workdays, and restricted access to markets, financing, education, training, and technology.

Given the labor intensity, the naira redesign policy curtailed real demand and plunged producer sales because there are no existing financial and payment solutions to deal with informal transactions in the informal sector, such as using public transportation, shopping at markets, and other similar activities. This had an impact on  people and business operations as financial service systems malfunctioned due to increased pressure.

The CBN's plan to digitally onboard the public at the closest commercial bank branches is not practical for the unbanked and underserved. According to the World Bank, in 2021, more than 50 percent of Nigerians lack basic digital skills (A high level of gullibility among the underserved  may expose them to hackers and those with low digital literacy levels could go bankrupt due to glitches, outages, and unintentional mistakes). In 2022, there were 81 million mobile internet users in Nigeria (over 50% of Nigerians struggle even more because smartphones are the most popular way to conduct digital transactions). More so, the cashless policy is powered by digital technology which is powered by electricity, yet 44.6 percent of Nigerians lack access to electricity.

Conclusion

The naira redesign policy of the CBN is a brilliant idea. It demonstrates the government’s commitment to harnessing the gains of the digital economy. Regardless, the timing, logistics, and overall policy implementation disrupted economic activities due to a lack of digital preparedness for a cashless Nigeria. The policy revealed the deficit in the Nigerian financial and banking sector as significant digital infrastructure and innovations are required for a smooth transition to a cashless Nigeria.

The outcomes and lessons of the CBN's naira redesign policy are digital infrastructure constraints. The digital inefficiencies experienced and its impact on the public and business reliance on digital means since the implementation of the CBN naira redesign policy require all stakeholders from policymakers, the private sector, financial & banking institutions, telecommunication companies, and others, to address the infrastructural gaps  required for the country’s  transition to a digital economy.

Finally, extensive initiatives on digital literacy are pertinent to financially include the public in the digital economy. It is also important to emphasize the importance of data governance, data privacy, and cybersecurity tips to safeguard the public from digital crime and other digital rights concerns.

The battle to eradicate the sexual abuse of women and girls has always been heavily reliant on non-governmental organisations (NGOs). However, the evidence indicates that progress has been slow in achieving targets in Nigeria, necessitating a multifaceted approach. Covid-19 reveals the vast gap in the effort toward eradicating Sexual abuse in Nigeria through the widespread cases reported during the period.  Education, legal reforms, community engagement, gender mainstreaming, and humanitarian interventions should all play a crucial role in the fight against the menace. A successful strategy will involve collaboration between all stakeholders to create a society where women are no longer victims of sexual discrimination, abuse, and violence. By implementing these various strategies, we can pave the way toward a future where women can thrive without fear of exploitation, abuse, and harassment.

Introduction

In Nigeria, the unequal power dynamics between men and women foster a society where men may feel entitled to sexually abuse women and girls. This inequality explains why gender disparity perpetuates the sexual abuse of women and girls. The issue has received considerable attention on a global scale, particularly during the Covid-19 epidemic. The issue has been labelled "the shadow pandemic" to indicate a neglected epidemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused a considerable increase in global reports of violence and sexual assault against women and girls. A study of 13 nations revealed that nearly half of all women reported experiencing gender-based violence during the pandemic, with Sub-Saharan Africa having the highest prevalence.

According to a survey conducted by the UN Refugee Agency, some NGOs began to support this category of women and girls in Nigeria since the government was overburdened with Covid-19 cases and lacked the man power  to tackle the sexual abuse during the pandemic simultaneously. This raises the question of whether prevention measures are accorded the same priority as treatment efforts. The increase in sexual abuse cases during Covid-19 indicates that Nigeria's preventative strategies for sexual abuse remain inadequate.

Consequently, these beg the following questions, (1) How has Covid-19 altered our knowledge of the problem of sexual abuse among Nigerian women and girls? (2) Are the strategies NGOs deploy to address the problem sustainable? (3) What culturally entrenched local remedies can also aid in solving the issue? (4) What lessons may be drawn from the Covid-19 Pandemic experiences of women and girls? This paper examines these concerns at length. It suggests sustainable routes to adequately address the problem.

Sexual Abuse of women and girls in Nigeria before and during Covid-19

One in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime. A survey conducted by Positive Action for Treatment Access revealed that over 31.4 per cent of girls had their first sexual encounter through rape or forced sex. This figure is close to the case of Nigeria, where 30% of Nigerian women aged 15-49 have experienced some form of sexual abuse. However, due to the culture of stigmatisation, this data might have been underreported. Gender-based violence against women in Nigeria highlights factors from early marriages to mental, sexual, and physical violence. Several women and girls have been abused or harassed while trading on the streets, in churches and mosques by religious leaders, in schools by teachers,  at home, by household members or close family friends and online. The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs in Nigeria and the UNFP commissioned a study that identified sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological abuse, and socio-economic violence as the prevalent acts of gender-based violence in Nigeria. Furthermore, socio-cultural beliefs and religious organisations have inured these violent acts towards women and girls. For instance, some religious belief exerts the perception of women being inferior to men and total submissiveness as being features of a virtuous woman, which have thus been used to manipulate and trap women in abusive relationships.

In theory, these factors are captured in Urie Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model of human development in synthesising the causes of violence and sexual abuse against women. The framework categorises several risk factors into four categories: Societal, Community, Relationships, and Individual. These fit well within the identified causes highlighted above.

Nevertheless, the Covid-19 pandemic has meant more variables are now at play. Three new factors worsening the sexual abuse against women and girls during the covid-19 pandemic include Isolation with abusers, movement restrictions, and disserted public spaces. These factors are absent from the ecological framework and thus provide new insight into this subject.

The Lagos State Domestic and Gender Violence response team reported that during the lockdown,  Covid 19 control measures increased Domestic violence in Nigeria by 60%, Sexual violence by 30%, and Physical Child abuse by 10%. Also, statistics show a heightened negative impact of the pandemic on the safety and well-being of women and girls in high-conflict regions in Nigeria. Areas grappling with record levels of violence and insecurity, such as the North-East and North-West regions, where terrorism and banditry have displaced millions of people, making women and girls more vulnerable to sexual exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment.

Are the Strategies Deployed by NGOs Sustainable?

The high rate of sexual violence and abuse of women and girls in Nigeria has attracted the attention of both international and local NGOs in the commitment to curbing the menace from humanitarian funding received through foreign aid donors. The United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency leads and coordinates the sexual and reproductive health sub-sectors in Northeast Nigeria. In 2018, the agency drafted three strategic objectives for sexual abuse prevention strategies for the Northeast. Two of these are  (1) Increasing access to comprehensive and well-coordinated GBV response services, including livelihood support (2) Increasing awareness and enhancing systems for the prevention of GBV, including SEA, through mitigating risk factors and strengthening community protection strategies. These objectives translate to targets for partnering NGOs, which span livelihood support, education/training, awareness, physical and mental healthcare services, and security.

Nonetheless, by the time the pandemic peaked in 2021, sexual abuse had increased by nearly 391%. (NBS 2017 data compared to Amnesty International 2021 data). This then questions the efficacy of the strategies being deployed by the NGOs. Perhaps the solution to the problem should be localised.  

The data released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) intended for  the impact assessment of Covid-19 on sexual exploitation and abuse in Nigeria reveals some critical insights on this issue. The data placed in table 1 shows that about 59% of women and girls experiencing sexual abuse did not  receive any form of assistance from NGOs, and 37% did not receive it from the government, highlighting the gaps in the support mechanisms available for women in this category

Table 1. Assistance given to Victims of Sexual Abuse During Covid-19

  Source: UNHCR Survey  (2021)

Among those that received support, cash and shelter were the highest, indicating that women who experienced sexual abuse had no homes or means of survival which highlights the lack of viable means of livelihood. This lack of means of livelihood can be attributed to the level of gender inequality that is perpetrated by socio-cultural factors in Nigeria, which limits women’s economic empowerment.  Thus, it is reasonable to suggest that as long as the core reasons are not adequately addressed, livelihood interventions will always fall short, as resources may be insufficient to care for all sexual abuse victims. Consequently, these lessons from Covid-19 should take us on the path of prioritising preventative measures deeply rooted in our society's sociocultural factors.

Charting the course toward Prevention of sexual abuse through Local and culturally Entrenched Solutions

While foreign aid has been an essential funding source for developing nations like Nigeria, its usage in resolving local issues has been under criticism over the past decade as a result of the fact that NGOs frequently overlook culturally aligned solutions.

 It is recognised that culture may influence the acceptance or non-recognition of sexual abuse in many populations.

The widely used confluence model of sexual aggression confirms that masculine ideology may be at the heart of sexual assault perpetration.  This implies that solutions to the problem may lie deep in men's hearts. This can be explained in Hemingway's iceberg theory, where most times, the ideologies and mental models that shape perpetrators actions are submerged in the water (invisible), leaving the minor factors afloat for all to see.

Hence the need for a more socially inclusive effort to address the issue as most gender-based violence is embedded in societal attitudes and religious beliefs. Efforts to eradicate sexual violence against women must be rooted in a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem, which are gender inequality, discrimination, and societal stereotypes. Education is a critical tool for eradicating gender-based violence as it teaches young people of both sexes the importance of consent, respect, and healthy relationships. It also gives women the tools and knowledge to protect themselves and others from sexual violence.

Community engagement can promote positive attitudes towards women by creating safe spaces for victims to seek support, challenge harmful gender stereotypes, and hold perpetrators of sexual violence accountable. Gender mainstreaming could also ensure that all aspects of policy development and implementation are gender equal and that policies and programs are responsive to the needs and experiences of women and girls.

A recent positive step by the Nigerian government in this fight is the increased funding for survivors’ support services through the senate approval of the bill on sexual harassment of students in tertiary institutions in 2020 in furtherance of the legislative agenda to protect women’s rights. The bill with 25 clauses proposes up to 14 years jail term for offenders and seeks to promote ethical standards in tertiary institutions.

Nevertheless, this is still more of a cure than prevention.  Preventive approaches would entail diving below the iceberg to address the root causes culturally embedded in ideologies, values and perceptions towards women.

Conclusion

Sexual abuse in Nigeria requires comprehensive, multi-faceted, and inclusive solutions. Efforts to eradicate the sexual abuse of women and girls must be rooted in education, community engagement, gender mainstreaming, and humanitarian interventions. Moreover, these efforts must be collaborative, involving all stakeholders to create a society where women are free from sexual discrimination and violence.

The advent of digital innovation has revolutionised our world, bringing immense benefits to individuals, societies, and economies. It has boosted efficiency and productivity and fostered opportunities for creativity and expansion. Additionally, it has facilitated connectivity, broken down geographical barriers, and enabled cultural exchange. The development of digital innovation has also unlocked new opportunities, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT). These technologies have enormous potential to transform entire industries, paving the way for novel economic growth and value creation.

Despite the far-reaching benefits of the digital revolution, some segments of the world population, notably southern women as compared to women in the Global North, have not been able to leverage these benefits fully. Gender digital exclusion, a phenomenon where women and girls are disproportionately left behind in accessing and using digital technologies and services, is a pervasive problem hindering the realisation of a fully inclusive digital future.

Barriers to Women's Full Participation in Digital Space: Social, Economic, and Cultural Factors

The reasons for gender digital exclusion are numerous and complex. Traditional gender roles, limited access to technology and internet connectivity, online harassment and violence, and a lack of female role models are just a few of the factors that contribute to this issue. Traditional gender roles and societal expectations often constrain women and girls from participating in digital innovation. This Issue emanates from factors such as power hierarchies, gender stereotypes and social views about the internet and technology within the household and society. For instance, in most households in the Global South, gender and age pose as factors which determine who is given priority to use digital tools within the family; elder female siblings had less time to use digital devices as they were given more domestic and care tasks. Yet another social norm – low confidence among women in using digital tools- prevents women and girls from pursuing more complex digital tasks and creates a gender gap in digital literacy that hinders their ability to participate fully in the digital economy.

Gender-based discrimination within the digital industry is another significant factor contributing to gender exclusion in the digital space. Women and girls frequently encounter biases and discriminatory practices, hindering their access to equal opportunities and resources. These include unequal pay, limited job opportunities, and a lack of representation in leadership roles.

Access to technology and internet connectivity significantly limit southern women’s participation in digital space. Many women and girls in the global south still lack access to basic technology and internet connectivity. A report from OECD indicated that South Asia Women are, on average, 70% less likely than men to have a smartphone, while Africa’s estimate is 34 per cent     . One reason for this could be their exclusion from economic activities. This will ultimately make them unable to afford the cost of technology and internet connectivity. The high cost of digital devices and infrastructure can be a significant barrier to access, particularly in rural areas. This limits their ability to use digital services and participate in digital innovation.

There are also issues around online harassment and the lack of female role models. For the former, women and girls are disproportionately affected by online harassment and violence, which deters them from participating in digital spaces and expressing their views online. For

instance, the issue of cyberbullying - women in the global south are often targeted with cyberbullying, which can take many forms, including online hate speech, revenge porn, threats, and harassment. This has a significant impact on women’s mental health and well- being. For the latter, women are underrepresented in the digital industry, indicating few female role models for women and young girls to look up to, thereby limiting their motivation to pursue a career in technology and innovation. These barriers are particularly acute for women in the Global South, where poverty, inequality, and social and cultural norms restrict their access to education, healthcare, and other basic services.

The High Stakes of Gender Digital Exclusion: Consequences for Women and Development

Gender digital exclusion, the unequal access to and use of digital technologies and services, has far-reaching consequences for women and girls. These consequences include limited access to information, affecting their ability to make informed decisions on important issues such as health, education, and employment. The lack of access to digital technology and skills limits women's economic opportunities, perpetuating gender-based economic inequalities and impeding economic growth in the long term. Women excluded digitally face challenges in accessing critical services such as healthcare and education and participating in political processes.

Digital exclusion can have significant implications for women's ability to participate in public life and advocate for their rights and interests. In today's world, digital platforms and technologies have become essential tool for civic engagement, allowing people to express their opinions, organise collective action and socialise. Women who lack access to digital technology and skills may be unable to participate in this digital sphere, limiting their ability to engage in important public debates, advocacy efforts and entertainment. For instance, in Nigeria, digital platforms like Twitter have become critical tools for organising and mobilising social and political movements sharing information and resources related to human and women's rights. Women who lack access to these platforms may be unable to participate in these important initiatives, leaving them marginalised and disempowered. Furthermore, digital technology has become an important tool for political participation, allowing citizens to engage with their elected representatives, share their opinions on policy issues, and participate in political campaigns. Women who lack access to digital technology may be unable to participate in these important political processes, limiting their ability to advocate for policies that reflect their interests and needs.

Finally, exclusion from digital spaces can limit women's ability to contribute to innovation and development in their communities and countries. When women are excluded from digital spaces, their perspectives and experiences are not represented, and this can lead to a lack of creativity and diversity. Creativity and diversity are crucial for innovation because they bring together different ideas, perspectives, and experiences to create new solutions and approaches to problems. Women's unique perspectives and experiences are not considered when they are excluded, limiting innovation and development.

Actions to Address Gender Digital Exclusion

To address this issue and build a more inclusive digital future for women, there is an urgent need to prioritise women's representation and participation and address digital inequality. Southern women must be included in decision-making and given an equal voice in shaping digital policies and programs. This can be achieved through formal mechanisms such as quotas and more informal approaches such as involving women's organisations and networks.

In addition, Southern women in the Global south should be provided with the necessary skills and resources to participate effectively in the digital economy. This can include digital literacy programs, access to technology, and mentorship opportunities. Support networks, such as online platforms and community-based initiatives, can help Southern women overcome the challenges they face in accessing and participating in the digital economy.

To ensure that women and girls across the Global South have equal rights to an open, safe, and free digital space, it is crucial to collaborate with various stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, civil society organisations, and organisations academic institutions. Only by working together can we ensure that the Global South's women are not marginalised and have an equal opportunity to participate in the digital economy. Another way to tackle this is by safeguarding digital rights and liberties by enacting legislation that prohibits cyberbullying. Also, establishing an online law enforcement monitoring unit will help promote digital safety for women.

Building a more inclusive digital future for women is not only a matter of social justice but also critical for achieving sustainable and equitable development. We can unlock their full potential and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals by enabling women and girls to access and use digital technologies and services. It is time to act and ensure that the digital revolution benefits everyone, including the most marginalised and vulnerable.